Luxembourg, a thriving European country with a high standard of living, is facing a significant shortage of skilled workers in various sectors. The country's government has introduced a new law aimed at attracting 335,000 workers by 2040 to meet the growing demands of its labor market. This move is part of a broader effort to address the country's aging population and the need for skilled professionals in key industries.
The new law, which came into effect on September 1, 2023, simplifies the process of hiring skilled workers from outside the European Union. It eliminates the requirement for a "labor market test" for certain professions, allowing companies to directly hire foreign workers with the necessary skills. The law also introduces a new platform to provide information on job opportunities and immigration procedures for skilled workers.
The list of high-demand professions has been updated to include 20 fields, down from 22 in 2022. The new list adds three professions: roof installation and restoration, quality management and industrial engineering, and installation and maintenance of industrial and operational equipment. Five professions have been removed from the list, including aircraft mechanics and business consultants.
The 20 high-demand professions are spread across five sectors: financial and legal services, healthcare and social services, information technology, construction and industry, and research and development. These sectors face significant shortages of skilled workers, and the new law aims to address these gaps. The government hopes that the new law will help to attract top talent from around the world.
The new law has several key benefits for companies and foreign workers. It allows companies to hire foreign workers directly, without the need for a labor market test, for certain professions. It also facilitates access to the labor market for foreign nationals already living in Luxembourg, and accelerates the process of granting temporary work permits for seasonal activities.
The law also introduces changes to the process of granting work permits for asylum seekers and individuals whose deportation has been postponed or canceled. These individuals will no longer be subject to a labor market test after six months. For jobs not on the list of high-demand professions, the labor market test will still be required, but within a shorter timeframe of seven working days.
The government hopes that the new law will help to address the country's labor shortages and support economic growth. With a high standard of living and a strong economy, Luxembourg is an attractive destination for skilled workers from around the world. The country's authorities believe that the new law will help to attract top talent and support the country's continued prosperity.
Key points
- The new law aims to attract 335,000 workers by 2040 to meet the growing demands of Luxembourg's labor market.
- The law simplifies the process of hiring skilled workers from outside the European Union and eliminates the requirement for a "labor market test" for certain professions.
- The list of high-demand professions includes 20 fields, spread across five sectors, including financial and legal services, healthcare and social services, and information technology.
