Background information

Austria has had a high shortage of labour and skilled workers in Austria for several years now. This is likely to intensify in the coming years due to demographic developments. In order to attract skilled workers from abroad, so-called Skilled Worker Agreements in the form of memoranda of Understanding (MoU) were signed with selected foreign partners (Indonesia, Philippines). Further countries of interest include Albania, the Kosovo and Brazil.

Content of measure

Such agreements have thus far been signed with Indonesia and the Philippines and essentially make it possible to bundle activities to promote Austria as an employment destination and implement concrete measures in line with the respective focus countries. Depending on the specific country, the focus lies on certain professional fields.

The agreements cover the following areas: * exchange of information on supply and demand in the labour markets; * information on Austria as a place to work and on living and working in Austria; * support with job search (e.g. through career events and matching formats); * improved comparability of qualifications; * consultation on immigration law; * and regular evaluation and further development.

Indonesia was chosen as an important partner country in apprenticeship training and the pre-check register, which allows qualified skilled workers from Indonesia in shortage occupations to obtain a Red-White-Red Card even more quickly in the future. With the Philippines, the focus lies on attracting qualified specialists in the nursing sector.

The Federal Ministry of Labour is the entity responsible for the implementation of the programme and is supported by the Austrian Business Agency (ABA) and the Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) within the framework of its International Skilled Worker Initiative.

Use of measure

At the end of March 2024, 500 people from Indonesia were employed in Austria, with 1,200 more being registered in Austria. Since the introduction of the Red-White-Red Card (case AT-2022-40/3827), the number of cards issued to people from Indonesia has increased continuously. In late 2023, around 6,300 nationals from the Philippines were residents in Austria. Of these, 5,114 were employed and 61 self-employed.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Migrants or refugees in employment	Does not apply to businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Employers' organisations	Employers organisation National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement	Consulted
Form	Not applicable	Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Only employers' organisations
• Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level

Involvement

The Federal Economic Chamber (WKO) is active in the design and implementation phase (see description).

Views and reactions

Not available.

Sources

• 25 October 2023: Skilled Worker Agreement (www.sozialministerium.gv.at)