Czechia has taken a significant step towards bolstering its skilled labor market with the launch of a new portal aimed at attracting foreign tech talents. The portal, named ‘Work in Czechia,’ is part of a broader initiative aligned with the European Institute for Innovation and Technology’s (EIT) Deep Tech Talent Initiative, which aims to upskill one million individuals in deep tech fields by 2025.

The new portal serves as a comprehensive guide for foreign professionals considering relocation to Czechia. It provides detailed information on various aspects of life and work in the country, including visa and immigration procedures, job opportunities, and tips for cultural engagement. This initiative underscores Czechia’s commitment to inviting skilled foreign professionals who can contribute to its economy.

Jan Michal, the head of the CzechInvest agency, emphasized the portal’s role in facilitating the integration of international talent into Czechia’s workforce. He highlighted that the platform offers essential guidance on navigating the visa process, making it easier for foreign professionals to settle and work in the country.

“The website provides foreign talents with a comprehensive overview of life and employment in our country. They can find all the necessary information on it – from details on visas and immigration to tips on cultural activities,” Michal stated.

This initiative reflects a broader trend seen across Europe, where countries are actively seeking to attract tech experts to address labor shortages and enhance their innovation capacities. The Deep Tech Talent Initiative launched by the EIT in 2022 is a cornerstone of this effort, aiming to close the talent gap by fostering a robust pool of deep tech professionals throughout Europe. The EIT has been offering courses focused on developing and expanding deep tech skills, thereby supporting the recruitment of foreign talent both within and outside the European Union (EU).

Czechia, like many other EU nations, has been facing labor shortages, prompting employers to look abroad for skilled workers. According to a survey by the OECD, these shortages have led to an increase in the number of foreign workers in the country. Data from the Labor Office shows that the number of foreign workers in Czechia increased by nearly 30,700 last year, reaching over 823,900 by December 2023. This figure is 2.5 times higher than at the end of 2015. Furthermore, data from the Czech Statistical Office (CSU) indicates that there were 4.23 million registered workers in Czechia during the first three quarters of the previous year.

The ‘Work in Czechia’ portal is a strategic tool designed to attract and integrate international tech talents, thereby addressing the country’s labor shortages and contributing to its economic growth. By providing a centralized source of information and support, Czechia aims to make the transition smoother for foreign professionals and their families, ultimately creating a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.

Article by Prague Forum