What influence do job vacancies have on undocumented migrants' chances of regularization?

Jobs or professions in short supply are those for which there is a strong demand for workers, but few available or qualified candidates to fill these positions. This creates an opportunity for both residents and illegal immigrants to find stable employment and, in some cases, regularize their status.

Job vacancies and residence permits for undocumented migrants

Jobs in short supply can open up opportunities for illegal immigrants in France. With the shortage of workers in certain sectors, it is becoming imperative for the country to fill these gaps, which can have a positive influence on regularization policies. That said, several factors need to be taken into account:

Factors to take into account when considering regularization

1. Matching the official list: Make sure that your profession is on the list of jobs in short supply updated by Pôle Emploi. The list may vary according to region and labor market needs. The specific official list (if it really exists) for the regulation of undocumented workers has not yet been published, but there's no reason to believe that it will differ from the one published by Pôle Emploi. job centre,
2. Length of stay and employment contract : Compliance with minimum criteria such as at least one year's residence in France and an employment contract or promise of employment in a permanent or fixed-term contract of at least six months is essential.
3. The legislative framework : Keeping abreast of legislative changes, such as bills currently under consideration, can give you an edge in your approach. The current bill aims to facilitate the regularization of undocumented workers in short-stay occupations.

How can you optimize your chances of regularization while waiting for the new immigration law to be passed?

While the new law on immigration and regularization of undocumented migrants in France is currently being examined by Parliament, it's a good idea to take proactive steps to optimize your chances of regularization, especially if you work in a short-staffed profession. Here are a few practical tips to help you while you wait for the law to be passed.

Know your rights and obligations

1. Consult legal experts : It's a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer about your rights and options.
2. Stay Informed Subscribe to newsletters or follow trusted organizations on social networks to keep abreast of the latest legislative changes.

Working in high-voltage sectors

1. Certifications and training : If possible, invest in vocational training that can increase your employability in in-demand professions.
2. Targeted Job Search : Focus your job search on the sectors with the most vacancies and apply proactively.

Strengthen your case

1. Gathering evidence: Keep all documents that could prove your presence in France and your professional commitment, such as invoices, employment contracts and pay slips.
2. Letters of Recommendation : Get letters of recommendation from your employers or colleagues to attest to your competence and character.

Maintain a Low Profile

1. Avoiding legal problems: Since any involvement in illegal activities could jeopardize your chances of regularization, it's best to keep a low profile.
2. Tax payment : If possible, pay your taxes to demonstrate your willingness to integrate into French society.

Table of Strategies Waiting for the Law

What if the law isn't passed?

If the law is not passed, it is still possible to follow the usual procedures to try and regularize your situation. Trades in short supply remain an asset in this context. What's more, being active in these sectors for an extended period of time could serve as an additional argument for your case in the event of a new law or reform proposal.

Which jobs are in short supply in France?

According to data provided by Pôle Emploi in September 2023, France is experiencing a considerable number of vacancies in various sectors. For example, the healthcare sector is in constant demand for nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. Similarly, trades such as roofer, boilermaker and car body repairer also have a large number of vacancies.

Vacancies according to Pôle Emploi

List of jobs under pressure by sector of activity (based on 2023 data)

Health Sector

• Nurses
• Orderlies
• Doctors
• Pharmacists
• Medical assistants
• Physiotherapists
• Orthoptists
• Speech therapists
• Psychologists

IT Sector

• Computer developers
• IT engineers
• Computer technicians
• IT architects
• Data scientists
• Cybersecurity specialists

Engineering Sector

• General engineers
• Construction engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Electrical engineers
• Construction engineers

Logistics and Transport Sector

• Truck drivers
• Bus and streetcar drivers
• Handling agents
• Transport operators
• Maintenance technicians

Other Sectors

• Retailers
• Sales
• Skilled workers
• Office workers
• Administrative assistants

Please note that For example, in the Île-de-France region, the occupations most in demand are listed below. below.

Shortage occupations in Île-de-France

The Paris Region offers a multitude of opportunities in a wide variety of fields. High-tension occupations, i.e. those where demand is greater than the supply of skilled labor, offer exceptional opportunities for job seekers.

Health Sector

• Nurses
• Other paramedical professionals

Building and civil engineering sector

• Site managers, foremen (non-executive)
• Building and public works engineers, site managers and site supervisors (executives)
• Building and civil engineering technicians and designers

Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy Sector

• Mechanical and metalworking draughtsmen
• Fitters and other skilled mechanical workers
• Skilled metal-cutting workers
• Boilermakers, sheet metal workers, plotters, locksmiths, metalworkers, blacksmiths
• Mechanical and metalworking technicians

Industry and Production Sector

• Heavy plant operators in the processing industries
• Adjusters
• Supervisors and similar staff in the process industries

IT and Telecommunications Sector

• Administrative engineers and managers, IT maintenance
• Telecommunications engineers and managers
• Engineers and managers in IT design, research and development, IT project managers
• Computer design and development technicians

Electrical and Electronics Sector

• Electrical and electronics draftsmen
• Skilled electrical and electronics workers
• Electrical and electronics technicians

Finance and Insurance Sector

• Accounting and finance technicians
• Insurance technicians

Food Sector

• Butchers
• Charcutiers, traiteurs

Wood and Furniture Sector

• Skilled woodworking and furniture workers

Maintenance and Environment Sector

• Maintenance and environmental technical managers
• Skilled mechanical maintenance workers
• Maintenance and environmental technicians and supervisors

Geometry and Cartography Sector

• Surveyors

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it does provide an overview of occupations currently in short supply in the Paris Region, which may be useful in guiding your job search or vocational training decision.

Regularization through work in France: the general procedure

Regularization through work in France is a way for illegal immigrants to obtain a residence permit. This route to regularization is particularly interesting for those employed in high-voltage professions, where demand for skilled workers is high. But how exactly does it work?

What are the basic criteria for regularization through work?

To be eligible for regularization through work, you must generally meet the following criteria:

1. Be in France for at least one year.
2. Have an employment contract, either CDI (Contrat à Durée Indéterminée) or CDD (Contrat à Durée Déterminée) of at least six months.
3. The job must be in short supply, i.e. there must be a shortage of workers in the field.

Documents required:

1. Proof of identity (passport, ID card, etc.)
2. Proof of presence in France for at least one year (invoices, rental contracts, etc.)
3. Employment contract or promise to hire
4. Any other documents required by the trade or sector of activity

Steps to take :

1. Gathering documents : The first step is to gather all the necessary documents to prove your identity, your presence in France and your employment contract.
2. Consultation with an association or lawyer : It is advisable to consult a migrant aid association or a lawyer specializing in immigration law to assess your chances of success and ensure that your file is complete.
3. Submitting the file to the prefecture Once your application is complete, you must submit it to the prefecture in your place of residence. There will usually be an interview to assess your situation.
4. File review The prefecture will then examine your file and may request additional documents if necessary.
5. Decision At the end of the process, a decision will be made. If it is favorable, a residence permit will be issued. If the decision is unfavorable, appeals are possible.

If you are in an irregular situation and work in a high-voltage sector, regularization through work may be an option to consider. Contact migrant aid associations or legal platforms for advice tailored to your situation.

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