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15 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 OCTOBER 2021 NEWS These articles are 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. THE European Parliament has adopted the reform of the EU Blue Card to facilitate the em- ployment of highly qualified non-EU nationals and help alle- viate labour shortages in key sec- tors, the bloc's legislature said in a statement. The Blue Card Directive, in place since late 2009, defines the conditions of entry and resi- dence that third country nation- als (and their family members) must meet to take up highly qualified employment in the member states. However, the scheme has not attracted enough of these much-needed workers, with on- ly 36 806 Blue Cards issued in the EU in 2019 (and Germany issuing most of them). Bulgaria issued its first Blue Cards in 2012, a total of 15 that year. In 2019, Bulgaria issued 268 Blue Cards, and in 2020, a total of 299, according to EU of- ficial statistics. Under the revised rules, appli- cants will need to present a work contract or a binding job offer of a minimum of six months as well as evidence of higher qual- ifications or professional skills. Currently, a 12-month contract or offer is required. The salary threshold for ap- plicants has been reduced to at least 100 per cent and not more than 160 per cent of the average gross annual salary in the mem- ber state of employment (from the current 150 per cent mini- mum with no upper limit). Beneficiaries of international protection – such as refugees – will also be able to apply for an EU Blue Card in member states other than the one where they received asylum or another pro- tection status. It will be possible to attest cer- tain types of professional qualifi- cation, such as in the information and communication technology sector, through proof of relevant work experience. Holders of an EU Blue Card will be able to move to anoth- er member state after an initial 12-month period in the country that first granted them the Blue Card. They will also benefit from being reunited with family members swiftly through fast- er reunification procedures and access to the labour market for accompanying family members, the European Parliament state- ment said. The informal agreement with the Council of the EU was backed by the Parliament with 556 votes to 105 and 31 abstentions. It will now have to be approved by the Council and published in the Of- ficial Journal before it can enter into force. EU countries will then have a two-year period to bring their national legislation in line with the directive. European Parliament approves reform of EU Blue Card rules for highly qualified immigrants Applicants will need to present a work contract or a binding job offer of a minimum of six months as well as evidence of higher qualifications or professional skills. Currently, a 12-month contract or offer is required