Benefits of the jobseeker visa
The list of countries offering jobseeker visas keeps growing and includes Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Austria (Red-White-Red card), Germany, Ireland (Green Card Permit Scheme), Portugal, Spain, Denmark, and Canada (Express Entry Program). In June 2022, Sweden replaced its jobseeker visa with a new one specifically for graduates wishing to work or start a business in Sweden. However, the principle remains the same. The job seeker visa is a temporary visa that grants a residence permit, typically ranging from 6 months to 1 year (3 to 9 months for the new Swedish visa), with the possibility of renewal. As the name suggests, it allows individuals to stay in another country to look for a job.
A strategic move for both countries and job seekers
The job seeker visa offers a range of benefits for both foreign professionals and governments. Foreign job seekers have the opportunity to explore the country differently, no longer as tourists but as potential employment candidates. They can apply for jobs, attend interviews, and receive employment offers. They can also assess the cost of living in a foreign country, test specific neighborhoods, make concrete relocation plans, and build professional and informal networks. On the other hand, governments hope to attract foreign talent more easily.
Governments had these goals in mind when designing this visa. The application process is relatively straightforward, although eligibility requirements vary from country to country. Germany, the UAE, and Sweden focus on qualifications and experience (such as a bachelor's or master's degree and at least 5 years of experience for Germany). Singapore also requires a minimum of 5 years of experience. New Zealand and Australia have age requirements (under 55 for New Zealand, under 45 for Australia), along with good health and a proficient level of English. Canada and Austria have implemented a points-based assessment system.
Persistent labor shortages
The conditions established by governments are directly related to their objectives. Indeed, in the competition to attract international talent, each country strives to select the most qualified professionals. For instance, Germany currently faces shortages of engineers, healthcare workers, IT professionals, and skilled construction workers. With its job seeker visa introduced in 2012, Germany aims to attract qualified foreigners in these sectors. New Zealand and Australia are also hiring professionals in similar fields, while South Korea is targeting tech professionals, and Singapore is focusing on finance experts.
Of course, applicants are not restricted to these specific fields; the crucial factor is securing a job offer. However, certain countries emphasize the importance of being qualified in high-demand sectors. This is the case in Austria, where applicants must possess qualifications in sectors experiencing a shortage of skilled workers.
Ultimately, the primary reason why countries adopt jobseeker visas is due to labor shortages. In 2023, numerous sectors continue to face skilled labor shortages, especially in healthcare, construction, IT, new technologies, and environmental professions. Even the tech industry needs foreign talent, despite the challenges faced in 2022 and ongoing waves of redundancies this year.
The job seeker visa: A pathway to relocation
For expatriates, the jobseeker visa can serve as a promising pathway to settling in a foreign country. However, it should not be confused with a work permit. The job seeker visa is exclusively intended for actively searching for employment. If no job offer has been secured by the end of the visa duration, the expatriate will be required to return to their home country. The individual can apply for a work permit only after obtaining a job offer.
For companies, the jobseeker visa represents a practical and flexible approach to engaging with foreign talent before making hiring decisions. This aligns with one of the objectives pursued by governments. Job seeker visas form part of a broader strategy aimed at simplifying the process of attracting and, more importantly, retaining international talent.
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