France Updates List of Professions That Ensure Faster Regularisation for Foreign Workers

France faces growing labour shortages in key industries: hospitality, construction, and elderly care.

The French government has updated the list of occupations facing labour shortages, allowing foreign workers in these fields to obtain residency permits faster. This is the first update since 2021, highlighting the country’s growing need for skilled and low-skilled workers, Schengen.News reports.

Undocumented Workers Can Now Secure Legal Status More Easily

The new measures particularly benefit undocumented migrants, allowing them to apply for a one-year residence permit that automatically includes the right to work.

Eligibility criteria include:
- At least three years of residence in France
- A minimum of 12 months of work experience in a listed occupation within the past two years
- Providing proof of employment (e.g., payslips, bank statements, or work certificates).

These changes are expected to help thousands of workers already contributing to the economy obtain legal status and better protection under French labour laws.

Labour Shortages Are Pushing Businesses to the Brink

According to Frank Delvau, president of the Union of Trades and Industries of the Hotel Industry (UMIH), the hospitality sector is facing an acute labour crisis. Over the past 18 months, 8,000 restaurants in France have shut down, largely due to a shortage of staff.

The Paris-Île-de-France region is one of the most affected areas, as 30-50% of hotel and restaurant staff are foreign workers.

Employers are particularly struggling to fill night shifts and weekend positions, which is reducing business hours and revenue.

France Relaxes Rules for Workers but Tightens Laws on Illegal Migration

While France is making it easier for workers to obtain legal status, it is simultaneously cracking down on undocumented migrants in other areas.

The French Senate recently passed a bill banning illegal migrants from getting married, citing concerns over fraudulent marriages. According to the Ministry of the Interior, up to 247,000 questionable marriages occur in France every year.

Experts believe these new measures will help tackle illegal employment while strengthening the economy, which is facing a severe labour shortage.