ECHO – Photo WFP-Rein Skullerud
(BRUSSELS) – A proposed review of the ‘blue card’ scheme for highly-skilled workers from third countries will integrate those with a right to stay in the EU as early as possible, the Commission said Tuesday.
The proposal to reform the rules on highly skilled migrants coming to the EU to work is intended to support European businesses in attracting qualified and talented people from around the world, says the Commission. “The early and effective integration of third-country nationals is key to making migration a benefit for the economy and cohesion of our society,” says Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos. “At the same time, we have to better equip our systems to deal with labour market and skills shortages in the future. The revised EU Blue Card scheme will make it easier and more attractive for highly skilled third-country nationals to come and work in the EU and strengthen our economic growth,” he said.
The EU Blue Card scheme, adopted in 2009, has proved insufficient and unattractive so far and has therefore been underused, says the Commission. Restrictive admission conditions and the existence of parallel rules, conditions and procedures at national level have limited the use of the EU scheme. Only 31% of highly-educated migrants to OECD countries chose the EU as a destination, meaning skilled workers are choosing other destinations which compete economically with the EU.
Today’s proposal revamps the existing rules and aims to improve the EU’s ability to attract and retain highly skilled third-country nationals. The proposal:
- establishes a single EU-wide scheme, replacing parallel national schemes.
- enhances intra-EU mobility by facilitating the procedures and also allowing for shorter business trips of up to 90 days within the Member States who apply the Blue Card.
- lowers the salary threshold giving Member States more flexibility to adjust the threshold to their labour markets context.
- Under the new Blue Card scheme, highly skilled beneficiaries of international protection will be able to apply for a Blue Card.
- strengthens the rights of both the Blue Card holders and their family members, which should make the EU a more attractive destination for highly skilled employees.
The new Blue Card Scheme would, it is estimated, bring a positive annual economic impact of between EUR 1.4 billion to EUR 6.2 billion from additional highly skilled workers coming to the EU to take up jobs. Member States would remain responsible for deciding on the numbers of third country nationals admitted on their territory to seek work, in line with the Treaty. They can also carry out a labour market test if the labour market undergoes serious disturbances, such as a high level of unemployment in a given occupation or sector, including in part of their territory.
The United Kingdom, Ireland and Denmark are not taking part in the adoption of this Directive and are not bound by or subject to its application.
Further information
Frequently asked questions: Action Plan on Integration and the improved EU Blue Card scheme
FACTSHEET: Revision of the EU Blue Card Directive
FACTSHEET: Action Plan on the integration of third-country nationals
