Migration of talent from developing nations to developed countries is a large opportunity to gain skilled workers. However, migration of talent in Europe is less than expected. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, “Of the total pool of highly educated third-country migrants residing in EU and OECD countries, the EU hosts less than one-third (31%), while more than half (57%) are in North America.” To increase migration of highly skilled employees into Europe, the European Commission is revising its policies on to improve the Blue Card Directive. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Blue Card Directive?
Adopted in 2009, the Blue Card directive attempted to attract highly skilled workers from around the world, according to a press release from the European Commission. So far, however, it has only been successful in a few member states. The press release states that Germany issued almost 90% of all Blue Cards since 2012, which means that most other member states are struggling to recruit and keep workers from other countries.
Why is reform important?
As the world competes for highly skilled workers, countries that fall behind can lose the opportunity to obtain employees that meet their needs. The European Union expects shortages of skilled workers in the near future, especially in health care. To encourage skilled employees from other countries to work in Europe, policies must reform, and quickly.
How is Europe expected to change its policies?
According to the press release, “Blue Card holders will be given immediate and more flexible labor market access, more flexible and easier access to move and work in another EU Member States, the possibility for self-employment on the side, immediate family reunification and facilitated and faster access to EU long-term residence status.” These changes should make Europe more appealing to skilled workers. Maximum processing time will decrease by 30 days, making the process faster for new immigrants. The commission also plans to make it easier for skilled workers to move within the European Union for business trips or a new position.
Another problem is permanent employment for individuals who immigrate to Europe for university and graduate-level schooling. Most of these international students don’t stay in Europe after they graduate. The new laws seek to retain more of these highly educated workers. By making it faster and simpler for them to obtain high-level jobs in Europe, the continent hopes to keep more of its skilled residents.
What does this mean for the future?
Although it’s uncertain exactly how this will affect the future, we will probably see a greater migration of talent in Europe than in previous years. Easier options for securing employment and a faster track for gaining Blue Cards should improve migration into member states. In addition, integration plans for refugees residing in Europe will help member states to strengthen immigration policies at the national level. As nations work to align their own immigration plans with those of the European Union, the continent will see an increase in skilled international workers.
Because the European Union fell behind in many of these areas, European countries are highly motivated to improve policies and recruit skilled employees. With anticipated shortages looming, its important for companies in Europe to compete with the global market.
Companies that hope to get ahead of the curve need to act now. By fulfilling specific criteria, companies can gain fast-track status as a “trusted employer.” Although this occurs at the national level, companies that gain this status will profit from a reduced administrative procedure and fewer requirements for employees. These companies will have first shot at recruiting highly skilled employees from all over the globe.
While Europe needs to make up for lost time to compete in the global economy, its new policies are likely to improve migration of talent throughout the continent. Companies that gain trusted employer status will lead the way for international workers to gain employment in Europe. Although the future is uncertain, new Blue Card directives and improvements should make Europe more attractive and easier to access for skilled workers around the world.
