Background information

Aarhus has experienced a significant increase in the number of international workers in recent years, reflecting the growing reliance on international labour to meet the city’s workforce demands. This trend is particularly crucial for addressing both highly skilled and vocational labour shortages. As part of its strategy for 2025-2030, Aarhus aims to increase the number of foreign nationals in full-time employment by 1,500 annually, which would result in a total increase of 7,500 by 2030. The strategy includes a wide range of initiatives to improve the recruitment, integration, and retention of international workers. These initiatives are designed to ensure that international workers are not only attracted to the city but also supported in their integration through language, cultural programmes, and workplace adaptation. Key to the strategy’s success is enhanced coordination among public authorities, businesses, and educational institutions, alongside a clear focus on raising awareness of the available services for international employees. By 2030, the goal is for Aarhus to have a higher proportion of international workers in its labour market than the national average, contributing to the city's competitiveness and its welfare sector.

Content of measure

The strategy for the recruitment and retention of international workforce in Aarhus, spanning from 2025 to 2030, aims to increase the number of international workers by 1,500 each year, with a total target of 7,500 by 2030. A central component of the strategy is the establishment of an umbrella organization, which will coordinate a range of initiatives designed to support international workers. These initiatives include language training, cultural integration programs, job placement assistance, and support for the families of international workers, ensuring their successful integration into the community. The umbrella organization will oversee these initiatives, increase awareness of available resources, and manage the efficient allocation of funding.

The strategy targets international workers across various skill levels, from highly skilled professionals to vocational workers, as well as international students. It also emphasizes providing support for their families to aid in their integration into Aarhus. Financially, the strategy is supported by an estimated 2 million DKK annually for the first three years.

Use of measure

The strategy aims to increase the number of international workers in full-time employment by 1,500 annually, with a total target of 7,500 by 2030.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Migrants or refugees in employment	Applies to all businesses	Migrants or refugees

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Company / Companies Other social actors (e.g. NGOs) Local / regional government	Local funds

Social partners

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

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

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

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No information

Views and reactions

No information

Sources

• 14 April 2025: Strategi for rekruttering og fastholdelse af international arbejdskraft i Aarhus (aarhus.dk)