French farmers鈥� union welcomes plans for new residency permit
France plans to create a specific residency permit for foreigners who are already working illegally in industries facing labour shortages
France is facing a shortage of seasonal farm workers
Isaac gil / Shutterstock
The largest farmers鈥� union has backed plans to create a specific residency permit for workers in industries suffering from labour shortages.
J茅r么me Volle, president of the FNSEA鈥檚 jobs committee, said: 鈥淲e think it is a good idea to simplify the paperwork, while still controlling immigration.鈥�
If the permits are approved as part of the immigration bill, they will be aimed at immigrants who are already working illegally in industries that are struggling to fill positions.
These include construction, restaurants, and potentially agriculture. There are 80,000 to 100,000 shortages in the farming industry, mostly seasonal workers, according to Mr Volle.
鈥淲e would like the titres de s茅jour to be linked to an employer, to avoid cards being given to a person who then leaves the company,鈥� he said, adding the policy would be one potential solution to shortages, in addition to strategies such as encouraging apprenticeships.
He said the industry had always relied on foreign labour.
A revised list of around 30 sectors with shortages, differing by region, is due to be published in the new year following industry consultations.
Related articles
Can I get help with French visa application: Which type do I need
Young Brexit agreement Britons facing residency difficulties in France
Language test, new residence permit: ministers share immigration plans
