Europe discusses new rules to match migrants' skills to the labour market
According to a report adopted by the EU's Civil Liberties Committee, MEPs voted with 50 votes in favour, 14 against and two abstentions, new ways to allow foreigners travelling to the continent's countries to find themselves in a legal situation, with the guarantee of passing on decent working conditions, which would put an end to the exploitation of migrant labour and, with it, their irregular situations. These new measures could generate very positive benefits, which could be seen in the long term for the economy of the Old Continent, which is why they ask the Commission that these new laws and rules be presented before 31 January 2022, in order to facilitate legal and safe migration and promote work. The report, drafted by MEPs, is currently being drafted as an initiative and is scheduled to be presented to the plenary, debated and voted on 22-25 November, so a majority of MEPs need to be in favour of the new laws.
Swedish MEP Abir al-Sahlani said: "A strong and competitive Europe needs to have good labour migration to properly address the demographic and economic challenges facing the Union. We need to make it easier for migrant workers to enter Europe and to do that we need to put that system in order".
MEPs stressed that current immigration and migration laws should be amended to facilitate mobility within the EU, allowing people from other countries who are resident in a Member State to have the same conditions as citizens who were born in a European country and can reside elsewhere when their visa runs out. Another issue that has been discussed is that long-term residence permits should be reduced to three years, as it is currently at five years. Also discussed was the modification of allowing people to apply for a permit both from a member country and from a third country outside the EU, and to make the procedure less document intensive. Another proposal was to change the rule that workers have three months to look for a new job after leaving their previous one and to toughen fines and sanctions against companies that exploit the labour exploitation and situation of immigrants for their own use and enjoyment.
In addition, MEPs have taken stock of the creation of a "talent pool" so that these immigrants can be given specific jobs, depending on what they have worked or studied in their countries of origin, as normally, due to their irregular situation, these foreigners have to opt for "black" jobs that have nothing to do with their work experience. This tool could be used when there is a shortage of labour and will be disseminated through the embassies of EU member states and the delegation offices that exist in foreign countries outside the EU. MEPs have also called on the Commission to establish employment schemes for workers who have no educational or employment qualifications and can be offered jobs appropriate to their needs and skills.
In doing so, the EU will try to improve the situation of migrants so that they can travel legally to Europe. To this end, a report will be drawn up establishing conditions for the entry and housing of anyone who wants to have a job opportunity in Europe. Another of the measures to be adopted is to favour the situation of artists and people involved in the world of culture, as well as those who are entrepreneurs and self-employed, which is why they will be granted visas to enter and leave EU member states.
