LONDON — Sheep shearers for Britain, judo teachers for Spain, goldsmiths for Holland. European nations are finding surprising gaps in their job markets and are competing to woo overseas workers with in-demand skills.
Nations across the continent list shortages in hundreds of occupations. Even as some countries tighten already-strict immigration rules, many are relaxing visa restrictions to help industries import candidates for the jobs that domestic workers can’t — or won’t — take up.
Many Europeans refuse low-paying jobs, while failure to plan properly for future labor needs has left some skilled professionals in short supply.
Sweden’s government says it needs plumbers, chefs and crane operators. Denmark seeks chiropractors, midwives and music teachers. And Britain needs ballet dancers for the famed stage of Covent Garden’s Royal Opera House.
Mbulelo Ndabeni, a 25-year-old South African dancer with London’s Rambert Dance Company, said Britain must protect the diversity of its performers.
“I bring something from South Africa that the others don’t have; so do our dancers from Cuba or India,” he said. “We all bring something different to the table, and that’s why the audiences love it, because it’s not just English dancers.”
