France Needs 310,000 Foreign Workers – But Nearly Half the Country Says "No"

France is stuck in a paradox. The economy is heavily reliant on immigrant labor to function—yet public sentiment increasingly demands zero immigration. While construction sites stall, hospitals run short-staffed, and rural agriculture begs for hands, a growing number of French citizens want the borders closed.

Terra Nova Study: Up to 310,000 Migrants Needed Annually

A recent report from think tank Terra Nova reveals that France needs between 250,000 and 310,000 foreign workers annually, at least until 2040. This isn’t a policy suggestion — it’s an economic necessity, according to Schengen.News.

The context is alarming:
- In 2022, France welcomed 331,000 immigrants
- Labor market needs have remained steady
- Without continuous inflow of foreign workers, the French economy risks serious disruption

The key reason: an aging population and structural labor shortages across multiple sectors.

Healthcare, Agriculture, Construction — All Rely on Migrants

Some industries are already dependent on foreign labor. Healthcare is the most glaring example. In Île-de-France (which includes Paris), 61% of healthcare workers are foreign-born. Up to 20% of France’s doctors graduated from medical schools abroad. Without migrant labor, the system could collapse. Other sectors like construction, agriculture, and cleaning services are also facing acute shortages. These gaps cannot be filled locally. But 48% of French Citizens Want Zero Immigration. Despite the numbers, public sentiment leans the other way.

According to a November 2024 CSA poll conducted for JDD, Europe 1, and CNews: 48% of respondents support zero immigration. That’s a 7-point increase compared to 2021. Among women: 53% support the idea. Among men: only 45% do. The survey included 1,011 adults and accounted for gender, age, profession, and region.

Politics: The Divide Runs Along Ideological Lines

Unsurprisingly, the immigration debate mirrors political polarization. Left-leaning voters mostly oppose the idea of zero immigration. Right-wing and far-right voters strongly support it. The most dramatic shift came from supporters of Marine Le Pen’s National Rally. As migration becomes a central topic in local and national elections, pressure on political parties is rising.

What’s Next?

This is a tug-of-war between economic reality and public resistance. Politicians are forced to walk a tightrope.

We can expect:
- France to maintain selective labor immigration, while limiting humanitarian and asylum-based migration
- Possible reforms in visa regimes — prioritizing healthcare, construction, and agricultural workers
- A continued rise in anti-immigration rhetoric, especially in right-wing media

The question is not just whether France wants immigration — but whether it can sustain its economy without it.