The so-called Blue Card has existed in the EU since 2009. But since then only just under 37,000 foreign skilled workers have taken the opportunity to enter the EU and work. Now the directive is to be reformed.
In the competition for highly qualified immigrants from third countries, the EU Parliament has approved new rules. MEPs voted in Strasbourg on Thursday with a large majority for a reform of the so-called Blue Card Directive.
This regulates the conditions under which skilled workers are allowed to enter the EU countries and work there, and is intended to attract highly qualified personnel from third countries to the 27 EU countries.
Since it came into force in 2009, however, according to the EU Parliament, only just under 37,000 skilled workers have come to the EU from third countries using the Blue Card, more than three quarters of them to Germany.
The reform now provides for easier entry rules for highly qualified immigrants. Instead of a twelve-month employment contract in an EU country, a six-month contract will be sufficient in future to submit the application – or a corresponding permanent job offer. In future, applicants will not have to earn significantly more than the national average in their desired country, as has been the case in the past. In addition, family members of Blue Card specialists should be able to come to the EU more quickly and also be able to work themselves.
Parliament and member states had already reached an agreement in principle on the reform in May. Now the Council has to give its formal approval. The member states then have two years to translate the new rules into national law.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
