Islamabad, 16 May, 2025: 310000 Foreign Workers may be needed annually by 2040 to meet France’s growing labour market needs, according to a recent report by Terra Nova, a leading French policy think tank.
The country is increasingly turning to international workers, including a rising number from Pakistan, as its ageing population and shrinking local workforce strain economic stability.
Growing Dependency on Overseas Workers
The report underlines that France’s reliance on immigration is shifting from being optional to essential. Sectors such as healthcare, farming, construction, and sanitation are facing acute staff shortages positions that domestic workers are either unavailable or unwilling to fill.
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As a result, 310000 foreign workers may soon be required annually to keep core industries functioning.
In 2022, around 331,000 immigrants entered France, and similar or higher numbers are expected in future years to sustain productivity.
Industries Most in Need
In healthcare, over 60% of support roles in Paris and surrounding areas are already held by foreign nationals. A fifth of hospital doctors were trained abroad, highlighting the sector’s dependency on imported expertise.
Construction and agriculture also rely heavily on seasonal and manual labour from migrant populations, while the cleaning industry is largely staffed by non-French workers.
Opportunities for Pakistani Professionals
France’s labour gap presents promising prospects for Pakistani job seekers in the following sectors:
- Healthcare: Nurses and general physicians can earn €30,000–€80,000 annually.
- Construction: Positions like electricians and plumbers offer €25,000–€40,000.
- Agriculture: Seasonal roles pay around €20,000–€28,000.
- Cleaning: Jobs range from €18,000–€25,000.
- Technology: IT professionals can earn up to €70,000.
Visa Pathways and Public Sentiment
France offers various work visas, including the Talent Passport, Seasonal Worker Visa, and EU Blue Card. Each is tailored to specific job categories or skill levels.
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However, despite economic demand, public opinion on immigration remains deeply divided.
Still, 310,000 foreign workers could play a pivotal role in France’s future workforce. For Pakistani applicants, this may signal both an opportunity and a challenge requiring not only skill but awareness of the legal and social environment they enter.
