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European Union interior ministers met in Brussels on 25 September 2007 to discuss an EU-wide immigration pact that would include endorsing the EU Blue Card skilled immigration directive. First proposed in October of 2007, the blue card faced opposition at first but is now being accepted by most of the 27 member nations.
The blue card would provide a "one-stop shop" for non-European Union nationals with skilled work experience who wish to take employment in a European Union member state. The scheme hopes to help the EU compete with other countries who are attracting many more skilled immigrants.
Skilled professionals taking advantage of the blue card would have to earn at lest 150 percent of the gross average salary in the country they wish to work in, or 120 percent for jobs for which there is a shortage of labor. It's also expected that a job offer will be required.
In addition, the main applicant under the blue card immigration scheme would be able to bring immediate family to live with them right away. After 18 months, a blue card holder can move to another EU nation, where he or she would be required to apply for permission to work before taking up employment. After a required time period elapses, a blue card holder and his family could apply for permanent residence.
French Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux said the only remaining issue is when the blue card immigration scheme will be implemented. It's expected that the blue card will go into effect in 2011, when work restrictions for 8 Eastern European nations that joined the EU in 2004 expire in member states that still have them in place.
For more details on the status of the European Blue Card, you can access European Union’s Portal – EUROPA
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