On the model of ‘Green Cards’ offerred by US to immigrants, the European Union has planned and proposed to issue ‘Blue Cards’ to attract highly skilled workers.
The ‘Blue Card’ would allow high skilled workers with atleast three years of experience and a recognised university degree to work in an EU member state.
The European Commission has introduced the proposal in October, 2007. It will now be negotiated with the member states in the council of Ministers and the European Parliament will also be consulted.
The proposal will require the approval of all the 27 member states of the European union.To be adopted the member states have to reach an agreement in the council and Parliament has to deliver an opinion. Also the member states has to harmonise their national laws during a two year period.The changes may take time to take effect.Therefore, the Blue card scheme may not likely to be introduced before 2011.
According to an EU official, the scheme is intended to attract high-skilled workers and to opt for a selective immigration and also to avoid low skilled workers who immigrate from countries like India.It is estimated roughly about 50 % of the high-skilled workers from worldwide go to US while less than 10 % opt for EU countries.
The scheme will also help to increase the working age group population in the EU, which is currently in the downward trend.
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