France Unveils List of In-Demand Occupations for Labor Permits and Residency
In a bid to address acute labor shortages, the French government has released a comprehensive list of professions experiencing severe staffing challenges. This updated list, obtained by Agence France-Presse (AFP), serves as a framework for granting residence permits and work visas to skilled foreign workers.
The previous iteration of this list, established in 2021, was based on data from 2008. The new list, compiled in 2025, reflects the significant shifts in labor market dynamics since then.
Regional Variations in Labor Shortages
The list of in-demand occupations highlights the varying employment needs across different regions of France. Minister of Labor Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet acknowledged that "the professions concerned may also differ depending on the regions and departments."
While certain occupations are in high demand nationwide, some sectors face shortages only in specific areas. For instance, only the Normandy region is actively seeking surveyors, while seven out of thirteen regions require butchers.
Nationwide Shortages: Essential Sectors
Several occupations are in high demand across the entire country, including:
- Agricultural workers
- Home health aides
- Kitchen assistants
- Cooks
- Domestic helpers and cleaning staff
- Market gardeners/horticultural laborers
- Hotel and hospitality industry employees
- Construction industry workers
Regional Hotspots for Skilled Workers
The regions with the highest number of in-demand occupations are:
- Île-de-France (Paris region): 41 occupations
- Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur: 39 occupations
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: 37 occupations
Collaborative Process and Legal Framework
The government has consulted extensively with regional authorities, industry groups, and labor unions in developing this list. According to Panosyan-Bouvet, "We worked with the Ministry of the Interior, the regions, and the social partners to establish a list of in-demand occupations by major region."
The list will be circulated among social partners for feedback before being officially published in the French government gazette (Journal Officiel).
Path to Regularization for Undocumented Workers
The new immigration law, enacted in January 2024, provides a pathway to regularization for undocumented workers employed in in-demand occupations. Prefects have the authority to grant residency permits to eligible individuals.
In January 2025, Minister of the Interior Bruno Retailleau issued a circular to prefects, emphasizing that exceptional regularization measures would be focused on occupations facing labor shortages.
Industry Support and Calls for Flexibility
The UMIH, the main trade association for the hospitality and restaurant sector, has welcomed the government’s efforts to address labor shortages. However, it has also expressed concerns about potential restrictions on regularization and employment opportunities for foreign nationals already in France. The UMIH has urged the government to ensure that the new measures do not hinder the sector’s ability to attract and retain skilled workers.
Conclusion
The French government’s updated list of in-demand occupations provides a roadmap for addressing labor shortages and attracting skilled foreign workers. The regional variations in these shortages highlight the importance of tailoring workforce development strategies to local needs. The government’s collaboration with stakeholders and its commitment to regularization pathways for undocumented workers demonstrate its commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive labor market.
