The 11 countries desperate for British workers to fill these jobs

Countries worldwide are tackling skill shortages with innovative work visa programs. From Japan to Germany, there are plenty of opportunities for skilled workers in industries ranging from hospitality to education, construction, and agriculture.

The 11 countries include the UAE, Portugal and Canada.

Skill shortages occur when there aren't enough qualified workers to fill available job openings in specific sectors. This results in unfilled positions, slower economic growth, and reduced innovation and productivity. Japan's skills gap has primarily been driven by its ageing population, while countries like Canada are hindered by a slow apprenticeship system. Additionally, there are rapid technological changes, globalisation, and restrictive immigration policies to consider.

Luckily for Brits, there are plenty of routes into employment abroad. We examine the full list of 11 countries and their visa policies, and job opportunities.

1. Japan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a call for those interested in "playing an active role in Japan by making use of the expertise and skills they have cultivated so far."

The Specified Skill Worker (SSW) Program was established in April 2019 and was created to welcome specialists from overseas countries to work in certain Japanese industrial fields. Workers can take jobs without prior training.

There are 16 industrial fields, and they include roles in nursing care, agriculture, and food service.

Other programs include the Highly Skilled Professionals (HSP) Program, J-Skip Visa, and Future Creation Individual Visa (J-Find Visa). The first targets individuals with advanced degrees, while J-Skip is for highly skilled professionals, and J-Find attracts entrepreneurs.

2. Germany

The 'opportunity card' or Chancenkarte is designed to increase chances of making contact with German employers and finding qualified employment in Germany. It's a points-based system that allows anyone from a non-EU country to live in Germany for up to one year to find employment.

To apply, you'll need a valid passport, a recognised professional or academic qualification, and be able to demonstrate you have the financial means to support yourself independently.

Another option is to get the EU Blue Card, which is for highly qualified individuals with relevant skills in specific occupations. This can even be a faster path to permanent residency. You will need a university degree and a job which matches your qualifications.

3. Denmark

Those with skills in science, engineering, and IT are particularly favoured.

Denmark has a Positive List for Skilled Work, which is a list of skilled professionals experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals in the country.

This list is updated twice a year - in January and July. The large variety of job titles across several industries includes Energy Advisor, Foreman, Gas Technician, Ambulance Driver, Sales Consultant, Interior Designer, Sous Chef, HR Assistant, Hairdresser, and Carpenter.

4. Chile

Here, there's a demand for workers in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, IT, and Tourism. The Subject-to-Contract Visa lets you stay in Chile for up to two years; however, you must have a valid employment agreement with a Chilean-based employer.

Meanwhile, the Temporary Resident Visa allows foreign nationals to live and work in Chile for an initial period of up to 12 months. This is renewable and may lead to permanent residence.

5. Ireland

Whether you are highly skilled or part of the general workforce, you might be in luck in Ireland, where workers are needed in engineering, IT, and chemical science.

The Critical Skills Employer Permit process typically takes 5-6 weeks and is typically location-specific.

Whereas for the General Employment Permit, a job must have a minimum annual salary of €34,000. This is just under £30000. Those offered a job as a meat processing operative, horticultural operative, or healthcare assistant (with Level 5 qualification), can actually apply even with an annual salary of €30,000 (just above £27000).

6. Portugal

The Short-term visa for seasonal workers lets you have a temporary work stay for up to nine months, whereas longer-term visas are valid for periods ranging from one to two years.

Seasonal work can include roles in hotels, restaurants, tour guiding, wine and olive harvesting.

7. Australia

There are two main visas available here: the Skilled Independent Visa and the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. The first is a points-based system for skilled professionals, while the second is designed to address immediate skill gaps by allowing temporary stays.

The Department of Home Affairs lists accountants, hospitality managers, and advertising managers amongst the skilled occupations available.

8. New Zealand

The country has a list of Green List roles - "jobs we need people for in New Zealand". If you have a role that is listed and possess the required qualifications or experience, you may be eligible to apply for a residence visa immediately or after two years of working in New Zealand.

There are various roles in construction, including crane operator, quantity surveyor, and foreman. Business professionals are also needed, including External and Internal Auditor roles.

9. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE aims to attract specialised talent across various sectors, including technology, STEM, and digital. There is a standard work visa for foreign nationals employed by UAE-based companies (Employment Visa) as well as a Long-term Residence Visa, which is designed for investors and entrepreneurs.

Finally, there are skills shortages in Singapore and North America. Singapore is looking for tech talent while North America faces skills gaps in technology-related positions, construction engineering, and education.

Canada offers the Express Entry program or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), while Singapore has the TechPass, EntrePass, and Employment Pass. The EntrePass lets entrepreneurs start and operate a business there.

For the Employment Pass, candidates must earn at least $5,000 per month, which is approximately £3,000.