Countries worldwide are facing labor shortages, and Europe is no exception. Unemployment rates are at historic lows, and job vacancies are at record highs. Companies are finding it hard to hire qualified employees. Besides increasing training among locals, skilled immigration seems to be the ideal solution. What are the programs set up by European Union countries to attract foreign talent, and what are their benefits?
The EU Blue Card
In 2007, the European Commission proposed to ease the entry of non-European foreign graduates into the EU. That was called the "European Blue Card" directive. It also adopted another measure to facilitate the immigration process with the "Single Permit" directive. These two proposals came into effect in May 2009 and December 2011, respectively, and, together, formed the "EU Blue Card Program". All member states of the European Union (EU) participated in the program, except Denmark and Ireland.
The EU Blue Card is, in fact, a valuable instrument. It allows eligible foreigners to move freely within the European Union and enjoy the same working conditions and salary as nationals. They thus benefit from the same working conditions and salary as citizens of their host country. They can, therefore, readily qualify for permanent residence and bring their families over. Following the October 2021 EU directive update, they can also benefit from local socio-economic benefits. In fact, this cross-border treaty has been designed to fight labor shortages and harmonize the conditions of entry and residence in European countries. It also aims at empowering cardholders and their families to get their rights closer to those of EU nationals.
How to get an EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card program is intended for non-European graduates having a work contract or a firm job offer for at least 6 months old. To be eligible, they must earn at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary of the country where they apply. For example, they should be earning at least 71,946 euros in Luxembourg, or between 30,000 and 11,000 euros in Greece, Portugal, or Croatia. The cost of the EU Blue Card varies from country to country: 80 euros in Luxembourg, 550 euros in Finland, or 110 euros in Germany.
EU Blue Card applicants are informed of the decision within 90 days of submitting their application. Upon validation, the residence permit validity will depend on the contract duration. On average, the residence permit will be valid for more than 2 years for contracts that go beyond 24 months. For contracts of less than 2 years, the residence permit will be valid for the entire duration of the contract plus 3 months after the end of the contract (and a maximum of 24 months).
Intra-group transfer permits
In 2014, the EU implemented directive No. 2014/66 to enable multinational corporations to transfer their highly skilled foreign executives, specialists and trainees who work in their non-EU firms more easily. However, before being transferred to an EU branch, the latter must have worked for at least 3 to 12 consecutive months within the multinational (non-EU company). On such a basis, managers and specialists are entitled to a permit for a maximum of 3 years. Trainees, on their part, are be entitled to a one-year permit.
The intra-group transfer permit guarantees equal treatment. Hence, the expatriate's salary cannot be inferior to that of a national holding the same position. The intra-group transfer also allows foreign professionals (under conditions) to enter, stay, and work temporarily in a European country other than the one in which they work. They are allowed to bring their family along as soon as they move and for the whole duration of their mission in the EU country. They simply have to apply for the permit simultaneously for their family members. Dependents of working age will be able to take up a paid or unpaid job in the European country. This provision is valid for the entire duration of the expat's international assignment.
The Single Permit
Implemented in 2011 by an EU directive, the single permit guarantees a simplified procedure that grants non-EU expatriates the right to work and reside in the European Union on the same permit. This permit also ensures that non-EU expatriates enjoy the same rights as EU nationals, including working conditions, recognition of diplomas, social security coverage and tax benefits. The single permit is valid in 25 EU member states and excludes Denmark and Ireland.
But this procedure is tedious; its lengthy nature deters many entrepreneurs from hiring foreign workers, especially at a time when labor shortage is holding back growth in Europe. In that sense, the European Commission has recommended that the program be overhauled in 2022 to make the single permit even more effective. Currently, the single permit remains tied to an employer, but the new rules aim to remove this bond. Under the proposed changes, expat workers would be able to change employers while continuing to live legally in any EU host country for the entire duration of their permit.
The ERASMUS+ Program
The Erasmus+ program mainly targets students, but not only. Adult apprentices, job seekers, teachers or professionals in training can also benefit from this program. Contrary to common misconceptions, ERASMUS+ programs are accessible to non-Europeans as well. This means that non-Europeans can take part in Erasmus Mundus master's programs, university exchanges, or other exchange programs. Algeria, Albania, Morocco, Cameroon, Cambodia, Japan and Australia are examples of the many countries that can participate in some of the program's activities while subject to certain conditions. To participate in an ERASMUS+ program, the applicant must contact an accredited organization. It can be an employment agency, a university, a sports establishment, a training center, etc.
Considering the global labor shortage, all countries are competing to attract international talent. The European Union is relying on its programs to challenge Canada, the United States and Australia, which are already popular destinations for highly qualified and skilled foreign professionals.
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