On 20 November 2008, the European Parliament in plenary has approved with a broad majority a proposal concerning the conditions of entry and residence of highly-skilled workers coming from extra-EU countries (*).

The objective of the EU Blue Card proposal is to introduce a fast-track and flexible admission procedure and favourable residence conditions for third-country nationals in order to make the EU more attractive for highly qualified workers in an effort to compete with the US green card.

The benefits for the EU Blue Card holder are, on the one hand, the right to move freely within the EU and easily acquire long term residence, on the other hand, the right to family reunification within six months as well as the possibility to take up highly qualified employment in a second Member State after three years.

This card would not replace existing national systems, but would provide an additional channel of attraction, with a common grant procedure. By issuing a Blue Card, the member state commits itself to issue all the necessary documents and visas needed by the immigrant.

Conditions

The delivery of the blue card is based on common criteria, being:

- a employment contract of at least 1 year;
- professional qualifications; a person applying for a Blue Card must either have completed a university study recognized by the member state or must have a comparable professional experience of at least five years.
- a minimum salary level, which has to be at least 1.7 times the level of existing minimum wages at national level;

After three years of legal employment in the first Member State, the Blue Card holder may seek highly qualified employment in and move to a second Member State. The card would therefore normally be valid for three years, renewable for a further two years.

The blue card scheme would enter into force by mid 2010.
British and Irish Governments have decided not to participate in the Blue Card scheme.

(*) European Parliement