Which Sectors Benefit Most from Recruiting Workers from Third Countries?
The recruitment of workers from third countries is not evenly distributed across the economy. It is concentrated in specific sectors where demand for labour is high, the domestic supply of candidates is limited, and the work itself is difficult to automate. It is no coincidence that the Cabinet Act approving 94,240 positions for 2026 allocates most of them to the primary sector, tourism and certain highly specialised occupations. The sectors that stand to benefit most from this recruitment route are therefore those facing the deepest and most persistent workforce gaps.
Tourism and hospitality
Tourism attracts the most public attention, and with good reason. The Institute for Tourism Research and Forecasts estimates a shortage of around 54,000 workers in hotels alone, with nearly half of hoteliers expressing an intention to recruit from third countries for approximately 28,000 positions, according to AFP reporting. Shortages range from roles requiring no formal qualifications, such as cleaning and kitchen support, to specialist positions. Around 9,500 positions have been approved for recruitment from third countries in the sector for 2026—a figure that industry representatives consider significantly below actual needs, making early planning even more critical.
Construction and technical projects
The construction sector is growing, supported by projects funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the NSRF. However, labour shortages are holding it back. According to a study by the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research (IOBE), construction employment could increase by approximately 26,000 people over 2025 and 2026, provided the necessary workers can be found. Meanwhile, estimates of the immediate shortfall range from 51,000 to 55,000 workers. The most sought-after skilled workers, from electricians and plumbers to welders and machinery operators, are becoming increasingly scarce as the existing workforce ages, prompting many businesses to fill gaps temporarily with workers from abroad.
Manufacturing and food processing
Alongside the primary sector, manufacturing—particularly food processing—is among the sectors with sustained demand for workers. It is no coincidence that manufacturing features among the sectors with the highest numbers of job vacancies in Eurostat data. These operations depend on a continuous flow of production, where understaffing directly translates into delays and lost orders, and workforce stability is especially valuable. In facilities operating in shifts throughout the year, even a small but persistent staffing shortfall can disrupt production planning.
Other sectors with growing demand
Beyond these sectors, staffing needs are also emerging in logistics, warehousing and care services, where demand is growing faster than supply. The common denominator remains the same: labour-intensive work, a limited domestic talent pool and tasks that are difficult to automate. As the economy expands and the workforce shrinks, the list of affected sectors is more likely to grow than decline in the coming years.
How to assess whether recruitment from third countries is right for your sector
The key question is not whether your sector appears on a list, but whether it has the characteristics that make this recruitment route a practical solution. Three factors can guide your assessment: high and recurring staffing needs, a limited supply of candidates in the local labour market, and roles that cannot easily be filled through technology. When all three are present, recruitment from third countries becomes a strategic planning tool rather than a last resort.
With approved positions limited and taken up as the year progresses, securing access ultimately depends on acting early. Planning several months ahead is a prerequisite, particularly for businesses with pronounced seasonal demand.
Would you like to explore how recruitment from third countries could work in your sector? Contact us for a tailored assessment of your options.