The first proposal concerns a Directive on a single application procedure for
a single residence and work permit for third-country nationals for the purpose
of highly qualified employment in the EU, creating the EU Blue Card. The
proposal does not create the right of admission. The scheme is entirely
demand-driven, fully respectful of the principle of Community preference and
Member States' jurisdiction to decide on the numbers of persons admitted.
In
a bid to avoid negative brain drain effects in developing countries, especially
in Africa, the proposal advocates ethical recruitment standards to limit active
recruitments by Member States in developing countries already suffering from
serious brain drain, and contains measures to facilitate circular
migration.
The second proposal is horizontal in nature, and seeks to simplify
procedures for all potential immigrants applying to reside and work in a Member
State. Furthermore, it aims to ensure a common set of rights to all
third-country workers already admitted and legally working in a Member State,
comparable to those of EU citizens. It does not harmonise admission conditions
for labour immigrants, which will remain in the hands of the Member
States.
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