Countries Identify Key Job Shortages in Multiple Sectors

Three separate governments have released lists identifying occupations that are difficult to fill domestically. Australia's labor market intelligence reported a 2026 shortage register covering 279 job types, representing 27% of the reviewed roles.

The primary sectors affected include healthcare, construction, and technology. The report indicated three main issues: a training pipeline problem, a suitability problem where applicants lack experience, and a retention problem due to pay and conditions.

In Brussels, Actiris published a shortage roster for the capital, listing 68 posts across ten sectors, with healthcare roles dominating the list. The care sector included various healthcare professionals, while construction roles encompassed engineers and tradespeople.

The notice for severe understaffing was published in the official gazette on March 27, 2026. Employers in Belgium can now seek foreign workers without proving the unavailability of local candidates, streamlining the hiring process.