Japa: Nigerians to Benefit as France Announces Over 80 In-demand Jobs, List Emerges

• A new report from the French think tank Terra Nova warned that the country will need to recruit between 250,000 and 310,000 foreign workers each year by 2040 to meet growing labor market demands
• France is facing a growing labour shortage, with thousands of foreign workers needed annually to sustain economic growth
• France has now published a revised list of labour shortage occupations, potentially opening the door to legal residency for thousands of undocumented migrants already employed in those fields

Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering migration.

Paris, France - Amid the 'japa' wave in Nigeria, France has unveiled an updated list of more than 80 jobs now open to foreign nationals — including Nigerians.

Legit.ng reports that "japa" is a Yoruba word meaning "to run away." That is what many Nigerian youths are doing in the search for greener pastures and better job opportunities.

As reported by Vanguard on Friday, May 30, the new development in France is part of a streamlined immigration process designed to attract skilled workers and regularise undocumented migrants who are already contributing to the European nation's economy.

The revised framework streamlines the legalisation process for thousands of undocumented workers in France, while also facilitating the acquisition of employment for qualified professionals and legal residency from abroad.

According to data from the European Employment Services (EURES), foreign nationals from non-EU countries, including Nigeria, made up 10.5 percent of France’s active workforce in 2023. Yet, a report from French think-tank Terra Nova forecasts that between 250,000 and 310,000 foreign workers will be needed by 2025 to meet growing labour market demands.

Despite welcoming more than 331,000 immigrants in 2022, France still faces major workforce shortages across various sectors, a challenge compounded by an aging population and low birth rates.

Due to this, policymakers now view labour migration as a necessary tool for sustaining the country’s economic growth.

Easier route to legal status

The updated shortage occupation list benefits both new foreign applicants and undocumented workers already employed in eligible fields.

By offering a fast-tracked work permit process, the government aims to help these individuals transition from irregular to legal employment, enabling quicker access to legal protections and residency permits.

Key sectors targeted include:

Home support and healthcare

Nurses, physiotherapists, doctors, caregivers, early childhood educators and veterinary surgeons.

Construction and building

Engineers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, roofers, welders, masons, and site supervisors.

Forestry and agriculture

Farm workers, horticulturalists, vineyard workers, forestry specialists and livestock farmers.

Skilled and technical trades

Refrigeration technicians, automotive repairers, lift installers, cement plant technicians, and glass processors.

Manufacturing and Industry

Industrial mechanics, machine operators, metal workers, maintenance technicians, and sheet metal fabricators.

IT and digital technology

Software developers, cybersecurity experts, data analysts, AI professionals, IT project managers and network engineers.

Transport and logistics

HGV and bus drivers, logistics operators, packaging staff, and tram drivers.

Hospitality and food services

Chefs, bakers, hotel staff, restaurant servers, butchers, pastry chefs, fishmongers.

Read more on Japa:

• Japa: Doctor who relocated to UK considers returning to Nigeria, shares struggles with job-hunting
• UK govt announces new financial requirements for visa application, Nigerians affected
• Nigerian lady relocating to Canada pays extra N784,000 for excess luggage at airport

Japa: Nigerian doctor filmed allegedly selling jobs

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Kelvin Alaneme, a United Kingdom (UK-based) Nigerian medical doctor, was filmed allegedly selling jobs to foreigners.

Secret recordings by the BBC captured Dr. Alaneme boasting about his operation. Believing he was speaking to a potential business partner in the UK care industry, he offered her a role in his network, saying: “Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire.”

Source: Legit.ng