By EuAsiaNews,
Brussels : The European Union approved here Monday the Blue Card, a special residence and work permit for third-country citizens for the purpose of highly qualified employment in Europe.
The Blue Card will facilitate access to the labour market to their holders and will entitle them to a series of socio-economic rights and favourable conditions for family reunification and movement across the 27-member EU.
The EU Council of Ministers said in a statement that the Blue Card holders will enjoy equal treatment with nationals of EU member states issuing the Blue Card, as regards:
– working conditions, including pay and dismissal;
– freedom of association;
– education, training and recognition of qualifications;
– a number of provisions in national law regarding social security and pensions;
– access to goods and services, including procedures for obtaining housing, information and counseling services; and
– free access to the entire territory of the EU member state concerned within the limits provided for by national law.
The period of validity of the EU Blue Card will be comprised between one and four years, with possibility of renewal.
Following its publication in the Official Journal of the EU, the member states will have two years to incorporate the new provisions into their domestic legislation.
The Council also passed new rules against employers who hire illegal foreign immigrants. These include making it mandatory for employers to ensure that non-EU workers hold a valid residence permit.
Businesses that violate the new rules would have to pay fines, which would increase according to the number of illegally employed foreigners, and also pay the return costs of the illegal worker if he or she is sent back home.
Moreover, they will also be excluded from accessing public funds or taking part in public tenders in the EU.