Amid growing labor shortages across Europe, Germany and Italy are taking significant steps to attract skilled workers from abroad. These initiatives focus on expanding visa programs to meet workforce demands, according to Schengen News.
Germany has implemented several measures to attract international talent, including the launch of the Opportunity Card, which enables skilled workers to enter the country with basic language proficiency.
Under the new Skilled Immigration Act, Germany issued an additional 22,422 visas to migrant workers in 2024, with plans to further increase this number. In 2023, approximately 177,000 visas were issued to skilled foreign workers, and this figure is projected to rise to 200,000 by the end of 2024.
The country’s labor market continues to face shortages, with over 400,000 vacancies in skilled professions. Officials have emphasized the importance of these initiatives, stating:
“We are ensuring that we attract the workers and skilled professionals our economy has urgently needed for years. These changes are essential for the future viability of our country.”
Efforts are underway to streamline and digitize the visa application process, making it faster and more accessible for prospective candidates.
Italy is also stepping up its efforts, planning a significant increase in work visas to address workforce gaps. By 2025, the country expects to issue 165,000 work visas, up from 151,000 in 2024 and 136,000 in 2023.
A substantial portion of these visas will focus on professions experiencing severe shortages. Additionally, Italy is boosting its seasonal worker quotas, particularly in agriculture and hospitality sectors. For 2025, the number of visas for seasonal roles is expected to rise to 93,550, compared to 89,050 in 2024.
The Italian government’s three-year plan aims to prioritize professions where labor deficits are most evident, ensuring the country can sustain its economic growth and meet industry demands.