Industry News

The World Health Organization's latest workforce report projects a global shortfall of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030, with the greatest impact in low- and middle-income countries. The report highlights nursing as the single largest shortage category, accounting for more than half of the projected gap. WHO recommends increased investment in nursing education and international mobility frameworks.

Source: WHO Global Health Workforce Statistics, 2023 Report

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced an expansion of the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa program for the caregiving sector, increasing the annual quota and streamlining processing times. The move responds to Japan's aging demographic crisis — by 2040, one in three Japanese will be over 65. The revised SSW-2 category now offers a pathway to permanent residency for qualified caregivers.

Source: MHLW Policy Statement, December 2025

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower has officially added registered nursing to the 2026 Shortage Occupation List (SOL). This designation provides streamlined work pass processing for qualified foreign nurses. The announcement follows sustained vacancy rates across public and private healthcare institutions, with approximately 4,000 unfilled nursing positions reported.

Source: MOM Singapore Press Release, November 2025

Germany's Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) has launched new bilateral agreements with multiple countries to accelerate the recruitment of qualified nurses. The initiative aims to address the estimated 200,000 healthcare worker shortage. Key reforms include faster credential recognition (Anerkennung), reduced language requirements for provisional employment, and employer-funded language training programs.

Source: Bundesagentur für Arbeit Annual Report, 2025

Malaysia's Ministry of Health reports that the country faces a 57.9% shortage of nurses relative to its target ratio by 2030 if current enrollment trends continue. The report calls for increased nursing program capacity and international partnerships. This domestic shortage context also drives the development of Malaysia as a training hub for international nursing talent destined for other countries.

Source: MOH Malaysia Healthcare Workforce Planning Report, 2025

NHS Digital's latest workforce statistics report approximately 40,000 nursing vacancies across England. The UK's Health and Care Worker Visa scheme continues to attract international nurses, with nursing remaining on the Shortage Occupation List. NMC registration of international nurses has increased by 45% year-over-year as NHS Trusts expand recruitment partnerships.

Source: NHS Digital Workforce Statistics, August 2025