The Eurobarometer highlights the perceived obstacles and opportunities for European small and medium-sized enterprises when it comes to recruiting skilled workers from outside the EU

A new Eurobarometer survey shows that almost half of European small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (46%) are struggling to find workers with the right skills.

According to the survey, the recruitment of third-country nationals remains limited. One in seven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has attempted to recruit workers from outside the EU in the last two years. Among those who have recruited third-country nationals (14% of the sample), 54% described the recruitment process as difficult.

The complexity of administrative and immigration procedures is the most frequently cited barrier (31%), followed by the difficulty in finding suitable candidates (25%) and overcoming language barriers (24%).

Most companies (between 85% and 90%) manage the recruitment of workers from outside the EU directly, according to the survey. SMEs are largely unaware of public support for international recruitment. The use of private recruitment agencies is significantly higher for international recruitment.

The companies surveyed suggest that recruitment from outside the EU could be improved through financial support (31%), information and guidance (25%), assistance in finding candidates (23%), help with workplace integration (20%) and support for immigration and relocation (18%).

The EU Talent Pool will address labour and skills shortages. As the first EU-wide platform for international recruitment, it will help match job vacancies in occupations with labour shortages with workers from outside the EU.

Background

The Eurobarometer findings are in line with the actions presented by the Commission earlier this year in its EU Visa Strategy and the European Strategy on Asylum and Migration. Both strategies highlight the need to simplify and speed up the process of attracting the talent Europe needs, including with regard to the recognition of qualifications and skills. Further information on the measures planned under these strategies is available online.

An important aspect of the European Commission’s work is the expansion of existing initiatives and the launch of new ones with partner countries, in particular through talent partnerships.

The recent Memorandum of Understanding with India also provided for the opening up of channels to attract talent and skills to Europe. As a first result, the EU has launched the first pilot project of the European Legal Gateway Office, a one-stop shop to provide information and support the movement of students, researchers and workers in the ICT sector.

More information: European Commission.