The European Commission, the executive arm of the European Union, has presented a new proposal to facilitate migration to EU member states, especially for skilled workers.
"As part of the comprehensive approach to migration set out in the Pact on Migration and Asylum, the commission is proposing legal, operational and policy initiatives that will benefit the EU's economy, strengthen cooperation with non-EU countries and improve overall migration management in the long term," the commission said in a statement on April 27.
The set of proposals also includes specific measures to facilitate the integration into the EU labor market of people who fled Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"Whilst our member states are busy managing the arrival of over 5 million people from Ukraine, this does not preclude the need to lay the foundations of a sustainable and common approach to labor migration to address EU's skills needs in the long term," said Vice President for Promoting our European Way of Life Margaritis Schinas.
He added that the proposed initiative would provide new opportunities for those wishing to migrate to the EU, while providing more skilled workers for host countries, which would have a positive impact on their economies.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson echoed this sentiment, stating that reducing irregular migration is crucial to the EU's economic recovery.
According to her, 2 to 3 million people from non-EU countries migrate legally to the EU every year, compared to 125,000 to 200,000 irregular immigrants.
"With today's package, we are simplifying the application process for living and working in the EU and improving rights for residents and their family members. I am confident we are putting in place a solid way forward to attract new talent into the EU for today and tomorrow," Johansson explained.
An improved legal framework
The new proposal calls for a revision of the Single Permit Directive and the Long-Term Residents Directive to create a more effective framework for legal migration to the EU.
According to the commission, a streamlined procedure for the combined work and residence permit will make the process simpler and faster for applicants and employers.
"It will allow applicants to lodge applications from non-EU countries and EU member states and will also enhance safeguards for equal treatment and protection from labor exploitation," it says.
The commission also argues that the Long-Term Residents Directive needs to be revised to make it easier to obtain EU long-term resident status.
One proposal is to allow the cumulation of periods of residence in different member states.
"In addition, the revision will enhance the rights of long-term residents and their family members, including improvements to family reunification and facilitated intra- EU mobility," it adds.
Attracting skilled workers with EU Talent Pool
To meet the needs of the labor market, the commission proposes to strengthen operational cooperation between EU member states and with partner countries.
One of the proposed measures is the creation of an "EU Talent Pool" that will be "the first EU-wide platform and matching tool."
It aims to make the EU more attractive to skilled non-EU nationals and make it easier for employers to access the talent they need.
To meet the urgent need to help new arrivals from Ukraine access the labor market, the commission is proposing a pilot initiative that is expected to be operational by summer 2022. No further details were provided.
Long-term plans
The commission says it has medium- to long-term plans to attract skilled workers to sectors with labor shortages and needs such as the care sector. It'll also focus on creating opportunities for young people to explore new countries and promote innovative entrepreneurship in the EU.
