The updated list of occupations in shortage, which permits the regularisation of foreign workers in some 80 occupations in France, has been officially published in the Official Journal.
The updated list permits the regularization of foreign workers in occupations including home care, agriculture, catering, hospitality, and Schengen.News reports.
Through a statement, the government of France announced that the updated list aims to meet labour needs in certain sectors.
The 2025 list, depending on the region, consists of:
- Construction and public works workers
- Salaried farmers, market gardeners/horticulturists
- Home helps, kitchen assistants, housekeepers, cooks
- Domestic workers and cleaning staff
- Hotel and restaurant professions
The new changes aim to make the process of recruiting foreign workers easier and also aim to permit the regularisation of certain employees in an irregular situation.
Industries Embrace Recent Reforms
The publication of the list has been welcomed by representatives of various sectors.
The general delegate of the Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHR), Franck Trouet, told ICI that they have been waiting for this decision for months.
We recognize that the hotel and restaurant industry, France’s leading recruiter, is a sector under pressure. This is progress, even if there are some surprising things: in Paris, only the profession of cook appears on the list, but not that of assistant cook, dishwasher, or waiter.
According to a report from France Travail, the need for labor in this industry this year is estimated at 336,000 jobs, with recruitment difficulties for half of them.
France Needs Over 310,000 Foreign Workers to Maintain Its Economy
Earlier this month, a study by a think tank in France revealed that France needs between 250,000 and 310,000 workers from other countries by 2024, in order to maintain its economy.
The report provided by Terra Nova said that with an aging population, immigration is crucial for France’s economy.
The same revealed that by 2022, France opened its doors to about 331,000 immigrants. Since the job market has remained about the same, France is likely to need more workers to maintain its economy in the future.
Last year, the government of France introduced new rules for international employees, thus making it possible for these workers to become regular migrant workers.
Back then, it was reported that internationals who have in-demand professions will have their residence permits processed within a shorter period of time.