Eurobarometer highlights obstacles and opportunities for European SMEs recruiting outside the EU

According to the Eurobarometer survey, one in seven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have attempted hiring workers outside the EU in the past two years. Among those that have recruited non-EU 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 difficulty finding suitable candidates (25%) and overcoming the language barriers (24%).

Most companies (85% to 90%) directly manage the recruitment of workers from outside the EU, according to the survey. There is limited awareness among SMEs of public support for international recruitment. The use of private recruitment agencies is significantly higher for international recruitment.

The companies consulted suggest that hiring 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 immigration and relocation support (18%). 

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

Background

The Eurobarometer findings are in line with the actions put forward by the Commission earlier this year in its EU Visa Strategy and the Strategy on European Asylum and Migration Management. Both strategies underline the need to simplify and accelerate the process to attract the talent Europe needs, including as regards the recognition of qualifications and skills. More information on the planned measures under these strategies can be found online.

An important focus of the European Commission's work is on scaling up existing and launching new initiatives with partner countries, including through Talent Partnerships.

The recent Memorandum of Understanding with India also envisaged opening to attract talents and skills to Europe. As a first deliverable, the EU has launched the first pilot European Legal Gateway Office, a one-stop hub to provide information and support the movement of students, researchers and workers, in the ICT sector.