French Companies Stress Importance of Migrant Workers for Economy

21 Dec, 2023

French Companies Stress Importance of Migrant Workers for Economy

France's Medef president, Patrick Martin, pressed for a strategic immigration approach amid growing labor deficits across the EU, stating the urgency for an "economic, selective, and thoughtful immigration policy." Speaking on Radio Classique, Martin emphasized the critical question: will migrant labor be required to fill forthcoming job vacancies?

Forecasts indicate a need to fill 800,000 positions by 2030, attributing significant recruitment strains on companies, representing around 10 million workers. Martin stressed the necessity of integrating individuals already residing in France but highlighted the insufficiency of this approach. He emphasized the essential need for France and the EU to consider incorporating a migrant workforce to address persistent labor shortages.

Labor scarcities are prevalent across the EU, affecting various sectors. A European Commission report anticipates these shortages to continue, driven by job creation and the replacement of retiring workers. Contrary to misconceptions about migrants choosing nations based on social benefits, research highlights the positive economic impact of regularizing working migrants.

Renowned economist Pierre Cahuc noted the substantial positive effects of regularizing migrant employment on economic activity, especially in the context of low growth and aging populations. Studies across OECD countries consistently indicate the favorable fiscal and macroeconomic outcomes of migrant regularization.

Martin urged a well-informed debate on economic immigration, emphasizing that it's the economy's necessity rather than a mere desire of business leaders to employ foreign labor. This call for a strategic immigration dialogue aligns with the pressing needs of France's labor market and the broader EU economy.