Skills shortages have led several developed countries to update their Shortage Occupation Lists for 2025. Skills in healthcare, engineering, IT, and skilled trades remain in high demand, with local labour unable to meet employer needs.
Skills-focused immigration policies have prompted governments to streamline work visa processes, making it easier for qualified professionals to migrate.
As skills gaps continue to affect labour markets, only a few countries have introduced structured responses. Skills identified on the official lists are now guiding recruitment efforts and migration strategies to address vacancies and support economic functions across essential sectors.
Read more: Five countries with high work visa or permit caps for 2026
According to a list compiled by the DAAD scholarship, here are 5 countries with updated 2025 skill shortage lists to attract migrants
Australia
Australia has rolled out a new skilled migration strategy for 2025, targeting over 450 priority roles across healthcare, engineering, ICT, and construction, including registered nurses, general practitioners, radiologists, civil, electrical, mechanical and mining engineers, software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, as well as carpenters, bricklayers, and plumbers.
To support this effort, the government has introduced several compatible work visa options such as the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482), the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186), the Global Talent Visa, and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS).
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United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has updated its 2025 Immigration Salary List (ISL) to address skill gaps in healthcare, engineering, science, IT, and hospitality, with key roles including healthcare managers, nurses, physiotherapists, civil engineers, quantity surveyors, biochemists, physical scientists, programmers, network engineers, butchers, and chefs.
Compatible visa pathways include the Skilled Worker Visa, Health and Care Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, and the Graduate Route Visa for international students staying post-study.
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Germany
Germany’s 2025 Skill Shortage List targets professionals in IT, engineering, healthcare, and skilled trades, highlighting roles such as software developers, IT technicians, mechatronics specialists, civil and electrical engineers, nurses, elderly care workers, welders, electricians, and STEM researchers.
Work visa options include the Germany Skilled Worker Visa, the EU Blue Card, the Job Seeker Visa (allowing a six-month stay to find employment), and the Recognition Visa for applicants with partially recognised foreign qualifications.
Read also: Top 6 best cities for studying abroad in 2025
Sweden
Sweden has identified a 2025 skills gap in technology, engineering, healthcare, education, and the automotive sector, with roles in civil and electrical engineering, software development, system analysis, nursing, midwifery, psychology, STEM teaching, and automotive specialisations.
Eligible candidates can apply through the Sweden Work Permit, EU Blue Card, a newly introduced Job Seeker Visa, and the Fast Track for Healthcare Workers that supports degree recognition and quicker entry into care roles.
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New Zealand
New Zealand’s 2025 Green List and Construction & Infrastructure Shortage List focus on sectors such as engineering, skilled trades, healthcare, agriculture, and education, featuring roles like civil, structural, and environmental engineers, electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, doctors, midwives, psychiatrists, dairy and agricultural technicians, and early childhood teachers.
Qualified workers can apply through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), the Straight to Residence Visa for Green List roles, the Work to Residence Visa (after two years), and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Visa.
