EU Members approve Blue Card scheme

New rules also crack down on illegal immigrants

European Union member governments on May 25 have approved the EU Blue Card scheme, designed to attract more highly-skilled migrant workers.

Under the plan, applicants will get special residence and work permits, making it easier for them to live, work and travel in any EU member state. They will also get fast-track consideration for family reunification.

The scheme also toughens penalties on companies that hire illegal immigrants, in an effort to stop exploitation of these workers. EU employers will now be required to conduct tougher pre-recruitment checks on third-country nationals. Failure to comply may result in fines and other sanctions.

The Blue Card program is expected to help attract highly-skilled workers to the EU to fill staff shortages in fields such as healthcare and engineering.

"Highly skilled migration into Europe increases our competitiveness and economic growth, and helps tackle the demographic problems resulting from our aging population," said EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot.

Source: Ireland On-Line.ie, 2 June 2009