European Commission unveils blue card immigration scheme

Vice President of the European Commission, Franco Frattini, introduced its proposed blue card immigration program for highly skilled migrants on 23 October 2007 in Strasbourg, France.

The blue card is an attempt to lure migrants who would otherwise go to other destinations such as the US, Canada, or Australia. The European Commission says the EU will require 20 million skilled immigrants over the next 20 years, specifically in the computer technology and engineering sectors.

The proposed scheme would offer a two-year, renewable work permit throughout the European Union. However, it comes with some restrictions -- the blue card would require a recognized diploma, three years professional experience, and a job offer that could not be filled by an EU citizen.

"To maintain and improve economic growth in the EU, it is essential for Europe to become a magnet for the highly skilled. Qualified and highly qualified migrants prefer the USA, Canada and Australia...the EU must present a united front, rather than emphasize the different immigration policies of each member state," the European Commission said in a statement.

Not all nations would have to take part in the blue card program. The United Kingdom, Ireland, and Denmark would have the ability to opt out.

The UK said it would study the proposal but would probably stay with developing its new points based scheme.