In a move that could benefit many Nigerians, the French government has released a revised list of over 80 job roles now open to foreign workers, including those from Nigeria. The updated list is part of a streamlined immigration policy aimed at attracting skilled professionals and providing legal status to undocumented migrants already working in France.
The new framework simplifies the process of gaining legal residency and work permits for foreigners, especially those already contributing to sectors facing serious labour shortages. The policy also creates a clear path for undocumented migrants to regularize their status if they are employed in any of the newly approved job categories.
According to EURES, a European job mobility portal, non-EU nationals — including Nigerians — made up 10.5 percent of France’s workforce in 2023. However, demand for foreign workers continues to grow. French think tank Terra Nova projects that between 250,000 and 310,000 foreign workers will be needed by 2025 to meet the country’s labour demands.
Despite welcoming over 331,000 immigrants in 2022, France still faces shortages in many sectors due to an aging population and declining birth rates. As a result, the government now sees immigration, especially of skilled workers, as a key solution to keep its economy running smoothly.
The revised list includes occupations across various sectors such as healthcare, construction, IT, transport, agriculture, and hospitality. Some of the roles in high demand include:
-Healthcare and Home Support: Nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, caregivers, early childhood educators, and veterinary surgeons
-Construction and Building: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, welders, masons, and site supervisors
-IT and Digital Technology: Software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, AI specialists, and network engineers
-Hospitality and Food Services: Chefs, bakers, restaurant staff, hotel workers, butchers, and fishmongers
-Transport and Logistics: Truck and bus drivers, tram operators, logistics staff, and packaging workers
-Agriculture and Forestry: Farmhands, horticulturalists, vineyard workers, forestry experts, and livestock farmers
-Manufacturing and Industry: Machine operators, metal workers, industrial mechanics, and maintenance technicians
-Technical Trades: Refrigeration technicians, lift installers, automotive repairers, and cement plant operators
The new immigration rules allow qualified professionals and undocumented workers in eligible roles to apply for fast-tracked work permits. Once approved, these permits will lead to legal residency and access to social protections like health insurance and labour rights.
The French government says the goal is not only to fill workforce gaps but also to provide dignity and legal recognition to workers who are already playing a vital role in the economy.
For Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, this development presents a major opening, especially for those with vocational training or professional experience in any of the listed fields. Interested individuals are encouraged to begin the process through official French immigration channels.
