France Projects Demand for 310,000 Foreign Workers to Sustain Its Economy
France’s Economy Relies Heavily on Foreign Workers Amid Growing Labour Shortages
A recent study by a French think tank has revealed that the country will need between 250,000 and 310,000 foreign workers by 2040 to sustain its economy and fill labour market gaps. While France received around 331,000 immigrants in 2022, current labour demands suggest that this trend must continue to avoid economic disruption.
Key Sectors Depend on Immigrant Labour
Foreign workers are vital in sectors where local recruitment falls short. The healthcare sector, particularly in the Île-de-France region, relies heavily on immigrants, with 61% of healthcare workers being foreign nationals. Similarly, sectors such as construction, agriculture, and cleaning are experiencing severe labour shortages. Notably, around 20% of doctors practicing in French institutions are foreign graduates, underlining the need for continued labour migration.
These trends reflect an ongoing dependence on migrant labour to support economic stability and public services, particularly in regions with dense populations and critical service needs.
Public Opinion Remains Divided on Immigration
Despite expert warnings and government messaging about the importance of foreign workers, public sentiment in France remains cautious. According to a CSA poll conducted in November 2024, 48% of French citizens support a “zero immigration” policy, marking a 7% increase from 2021.
The study, which surveyed 1,011 adults, showed that political alignment strongly influenced opinions: left-wing voters generally opposed strict immigration limits, while right-wing and far-right respondents largely supported them. Gender differences were also notable—55% of men opposed the zero immigration idea, while 53% of women favored it.
As France faces ongoing demographic and economic challenges, the tension between labour market needs and immigration skepticism continues to shape national debate and policy decisions.
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