The European Commission has launched two new legislative proposals aimed at granting new rights to legal economic migrants across the EU.
The first proposal aims at establishing a Framework Directive for the purpose of admission of highly-qualified migrants to the EU, creating an EU Blue Card system. The second proposal is a directive establishing a single application procedure for a single residence and work permit and a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a member state.
The EU Blue Card scheme, similar to the one already in place in the US and Canada, seeks to establish more attractive entry and residence conditions for third-country nationals to take up highly-qualified employment in EU member states.
The proposal does not create the right of admission and the scheme is entirely demand-driven, fully respectful of the principle of Community preference and member states' jurisdiction to decide on the number of persons admitted.
The Commission said that since labour market needs differ from member state to another, the proposed common system is flexible and centered on a number of key points. When a third-country national is admitted under this scheme, he will receive a special residence and work permit, called the 'EU Blue Card, entitling him/her to a series of socio-economic rights and favourable conditions for family reunification. Facilitated access to the labour market is also provided. However, member states will still have the final word on how many migrants they want to allow into their labour market.
The second proposal on a single application procedure seeks to simplify procedures for all potential immigrants applying to reside and work in a member state. It also aims to ensure a common set of rights to all third-country workers already admitted and legally working in a member state, comparable to those of EU citizens. It does not harmonise admission conditions for labour immigrants, which will remain in the hands of the member states.
According to the Commission, this proposal provides for a "one-stop shop" system for the applicants and introduces a single application procedure, which aims to simplify and accelerate the procedure both for the employer and for the immigrant and to introduce certain safeguards like access to information on the documents needed for an application, obligation to provide reasons for rejection and to decide on the application within 90 days.
Once admitted, the immigrant will receive a "single permit", which will entitle him/her to stay and work for the period granted.
The Commission's proposals will now start being discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.