France will need to bring in between 250,000 and 310,000 Nigerians and other foreign workers every year by 2040 to maintain its workforce and support economic activity, according to a new report by French think tank Terra Nova.
The estimate highlights growing concerns over labour shortages driven by an ageing population and declining domestic labour force participation.
TravelBiz cites that the findings underscore the increasing role of immigration in meeting France’s labour market demands. In 2022, France admitted approximately 331,000 immigrants—a number expected to remain steady or rise in the coming years.
Labour Gaps in Key Sectors
France’s reliance on foreign workers is especially visible in certain industries where labour shortages are pronounced. Sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, and cleaning are struggling to recruit sufficient local labour, according to the Terra Nova study.
In the Île-de-France region, which includes Paris, foreign nationals make up 61% of the healthcare workforce. Approximately 20% of all doctors in public institutions across France received their medical training outside the country.
Construction and agriculture are also affected, with both sectors facing long-term shortages in manual and seasonal labour. Cleaning services similarly depend on immigrant labour to maintain basic urban and commercial hygiene standards.
Foreign Workers in Demand
Foreign workers are increasingly sought after in jobs that are critical to France’s economy. Below are roles that are most in demand and their estimated average annual salaries:
- Healthcare: Nurses and general practitioners (€30,000 – €80,000)
- Construction: Electricians, plumbers, labourers (€25,000 – €40,000)
- Agriculture: Pickers and harvesters (€20,000 – €28,000)
- Cleaning Services: Janitorial staff and housekeepers (€18,000 – €25,000)
- Tech & IT: Developers and engineers (€40,000 – €70,000)
Work Visa Options for Foreign Professionals
To manage its growing demand for labour, France offers several work visa pathways for foreign nationals:
- Talent Passport: A multi-year renewable visa for skilled professionals such as engineers, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs. Valid for up to four years. Spouses and children are eligible for residency.
- Employee Visa (Salarié): For individuals with a job offer from a French employer. The employer must prove the position cannot be filled by a local or EU candidate. Prioritised sectors include construction, healthcare, cleaning, and hospitality.
- Seasonal Worker Visa: Designed for short-term employment in agriculture, tourism, or hospitality. Valid for up to six months per year and renewable.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Visa: For workers transferred within multinational firms. Valid for one to three years.
- EU Blue Card: For highly skilled professionals with qualifications and a salary offer at least 1.5 times the French average wage. Valid for one to four years and allows mobility across EU Blue Card countries.
- Sector-Specific Visas: Additional visa options may apply depending on the worker’s industry, particularly in healthcare.
Public Opinion Shows Growing Resistance
Despite the growing need for immigrant labour, public opinion in France shows signs of resistance. A CSA survey from November 2024 indicates that 48% of respondents support a policy of zero immigration—an increase of seven percentage points since 2021.
The data also show gender and political divides: 55% of men oppose zero immigration policies, while 53% of women support them. Opposition to immigration is significantly stronger among right-wing and far-right voters, while left-wing respondents are more supportive of immigration.
Balancing Policy with Labour Needs
The gap between economic requirements and public sentiment presents a policy challenge. As France faces increasing workforce shortages and demographic decline, maintaining and expanding legal pathways for foreign workers is becoming more critical. Whether France adjusts its immigration policies to meet these challenges remains a matter for ongoing political debate.
