Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1373323
12 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 19 MAY 2021 This article is part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. These articles reflect only the authors' view. The European Parliament is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains. DAVID LINDSAY JUST as Malta and Italy engaged in an- other showdown in the central Mediter- ranean over responsibility for a group of some 400 irregular migrants this morn- ing, the European Parliament and the European Council's presidency struck an accord to facilitate entry into the bloc for the more desirable kind of migrant – the highly qualified. The agreement on the EU's blue card directive, which allows for the immigra- tion of highly-skilled non-EU nationals into the EU, and the previously stringent qualifications are being made more flex- ible with the aim of attracting workers where there are noted skills shortages. The new rules replace the existing ones and harmonise the conditions of entry and residence for highly-qualified work- ers and, for example, making admission criteria more flexible by requiring only a six-month work contract or a binding job offer. As matters currently stand, a job offer of a minimum of 12 months is required, as well as evidence of higher qualifica- tions or professional skills. In certain cases, such as in the infor- mation and communication technology sector, the requirement for qualifica- tions can be replaced with relevant pro- fessional experience. The new system also introduced a low- er threshold for the minimum salary ap- plicants need to earn in order to quali- fy. The salary threshold for applicants has now been reduced to at least 100%, but not more than 160%, of the average gross annual salary in the member state of where the blue card holder is to be employed. This figure currently stands at a minimum of at least 150 % with no upper limit. Under the new rules, applicants will also be able to apply for the blue card from EU territory and move more easily between member states after an initial 12-month period in the first member state. The situation of accompanying family members will also be improved through faster reunification procedures and access to the labour market. Speaking after the agreement was struck, European Parliament's rappor- teur Javier Moreno Sanchez comment- ed, "After five years of work and three years of member states blocking the ne- gotiations, this deal sends a positive sig- nal in the right direction. Europe must increase legal migration pathways and facilitate the arrival of qualified workers who can contribute to Europe's develop- ment. "EU Blue Card holders and their family members will have additional rights, in- cluding easier intra-EU mobility, which will increase its value compared to na- tional systems." The agreed text will now be put to the European Parliament's Civil Liber- ties Committee and then on to plenary for approval, as well as to the European Council. Migration: MEPs and Council strike deal on highly qualified workers