France: What the Updated Shortage Occupation List Means for Employers

France is facing a growing need for skilled workers. With labour gaps across multiple industries and a rapidly aging population, the demand for international talent is becoming more urgent, especially in sectors like construction, hospitality, and manufacturing.

To respond to this challenge, the French government has recently updated its shortage occupation list for the first time since 2021. This updated list not only reflects the most in-demand roles but also creates new opportunities for foreign workers and the employers who need them.

What’s in the updated shortage occupation list?

France recognises 95 occupations with critical labour shortages. According to the latest EURES report, the hardest-hit sectors include:

• Construction
• Manufacturing and assembly
• Agriculture and aquaculture
• Hospitality
• Transportation and logistics
• Domestic support and home care

Some of the specific roles with high demand include:

• Civil engineering and manufacturing labourers
• Heavy truck, lorry, bus, and tram drivers
• Electrical and mechanical machinery assemblers
• Machine and plant operators
• Domestic cleaners and home helpers
• Earthmoving and mobile farm machinery operators

For employers, this list matters. Roles featured here may make it easier to sponsor and relocate foreign workers, as they align with government efforts to fill long-standing labour gaps.

Impact for employers hiring from abroad

If you're hiring in one of the affected sectors, this development simplifies access to international candidates. Foreign workers applying for jobs listed under these shortage occupations may have a stronger case for obtaining a French work visa.

The demand is especially high in roles requiring shift work, such as those in restaurants and hotels. In fact, the hospitality industry has already experienced significant setbacks, with around 8,000 restaurants closing in the past 18 months due to staffing issues. Employers in regions like Paris-Île-de-France, where up to half of hospitality workers are foreign nationals, are likely to benefit the most from these policy changes.

International recruitment is becoming a necessity

France’s leading employers’ federation, MEDEF, estimates that the country will need an additional 3.9 million foreign workers by 2050. Immigration is becoming a real economic necessity.

As demand increases, hiring internationally will likely become more common across industries. Employers able to align their recruitment strategies with France’s shortage occupation list are well-positioned to fill roles quickly through simplified visa immigration procedures.

How Jobbatical supports employers facing talent shortages

If you’re hiring in any of the professions listed on France’s shortage occupation list, now is the right time to look beyond borders. Jobbatical helps employers relocate international talent faster, more cost-effectively, and with less manual effort.

Our expert-led, tech-powered process handles immigration and relocation from start to finish. With experience across the most in-demand sectors - like construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and logistics - we help you fill roles quickly while staying fully compliant.

Hiring foreign talent in France?
Let’s talk about how we can help you relocate your next hires with less friction.