Updated: Feb 20
The Schengen Area, facing acute labour shortages, has opened up avenues for non-European workers to contribute to its economy. However, the visa application process has been marred by inordinate delays, with waiting periods spanning several years. This protracted timeline can be attributed to various factors, including duplicitous job offers from unscrupulous agents, frequent amendments to immigration laws, and insufficient appointment slots at embassies and Visa Facilitation Service (VFS) centers.
In light of these challenges, prospective applicants may find it expedient to explore alternatives in countries like Croatia, Romania, and Bulgaria, which offer relatively more streamlined visa application process.
Romania has issued thousands of visas to non-EU countries in 2024. Notably, the country's annual quota has undergone a significant increase, rising to 100,000 for the year 2025. According to pertinent reports, Romania is facing a substantial labor deficit, necessitating the influx of at least 300,000 workers across various sectors. This urgency stems from the mass emigration of Romanians to foreign countries, compounded by the nation's impending accession to the Schengen Area."
"Bulgaria is grappling with an acute labour deficit and has issued 12,000 work visas to nationals from non-EU countries between January 1, 2023, and November 2023. Nevertheless, a substantial proportion of approximately 40% of workers from non-EU countries has relocated to other European nations, thereby exacerbating the existing labor shortage in Bulgaria.
"The Croatian labour shortage can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including the country's precipitous population decline, rapid industrial expansion, and its recent accession to the Schengen Area. In the preceding year, Croatia issued approximately 143,000 work permits, a significant uptick in labour immigration. This year, the country is anticipated to issue an even greater number of work permits to nationals of non-EU countries, exacerbating the complexities of labour market dynamics.
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