EU Blue Card

The European Commission has today adopted two legislative proposals on economic migration. The purpose of the first proposal is to establish a Framework Directive for Highly Skilled Migrants which in is fact the creation of the EU Blue Card. The second proposal aims at establishing an application procedure for a European residence and work permit and a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State.

Highly skilled migrants to Europe

The idea behind the proposal is to establish more attractive entry and residence conditions for highly skilled third-country nationals.

Common application procedure/ permit and set of rights

The second proposal aims to simplify immigration procedures for all third country national migrants wishing to reside and work in a Member State.  The proposed common system will provide a fast-track procedure for highly skilled migrant based on the following common criteria: a work contract/job offer, professional qualifications necessary to carry out the duties of the role and a minimum salary level which has to be at least three times the level of existing minimum wages at national level. The proposal also provides for a ‘young professionals’ scheme. Third-country nationals who qualify will be issued with a special residence and work permit, called the EU Blue Card.  EU Blue Card holders will be entitled to move to another EU Member State providing s/he has a job offer for a role that requires a highly qualified candidate once s/he has completed two years in the Member State they first settled in. Years spent in a different Member States will not be taken into account when seeking to obtain permanent residency.