High Demand, Low Supply

“In addition to employees who specialize in languages, the government needs workers who are both fluent in foreign languages and possess expertise in various specialized fields. Because the private sector also wants to employ these individuals, competition is hiring is intense,” it said. Meanwhile, security restriction prevent or delay the hiring of many who are foreign-born or have foreign ties. Agencies are working to develop such skills among current employees but that is expensive and not always effective in achieving the level of literacy needed, the group found.