The European Union (EU) is set to start promoting lawful working
routes to its labour market as the phenomenon of both legal and illegal immigration
are rife in the bloc, reported EUobserver. The arrival of illegal immigrants is particularly
common in
Malta, the
Canary Islands and Lampedusa, especially during the months
of summer.
The measures could make way for the possible
introduction of a European version of the
US green card and sanctions for
companies who hire illegal immigrants.
The 27-nation bloc is hoping to attract
the attention of Africa,
India
and its eastern neighbours, as labour shortages could peak in twenty years time
when 25 million of Europeans are expected to retire from work.
In this regard, one EU senior official "
Europe stands at crucial point; we should look at the
third countries as a potential donor of labour force". Under one scenario,
a so-called EU blue card would grant a highly-qualified worker the possibility
of seeking a job in any EU state, although the exact details are still to be
nailed down.
Next In September, the European Commission will introduce a
legislation on admission of third country high-skilled workers, which should
propose a simplification of the current administrative burden for an applicant
and potentially introduce a European version of the US green card, reported
EUobserver.
Brussels is seeking highly-skilled immigrants, followed by
seasonal workers, remunerated trainees and intra-corporate transferees.
In turn, last week the EU opened its first job centre in African state of
Mali last week, a move expected to bring, among
others, seasonal farm, construction and tourism workers to
Europe,
while promoting legal ways of seeking a job. So far, only
Spain and
France
offered job quotas for
Mali
workers linked to the EU office, as the participation is voluntary.
Denmark,
Italy
and the
Netherlands
are also considering coming on board, an EU official told EUobserver.
Read more about this issue on MaltaMedia's special feature: Lanċa Ġejja u Oħra Sejra: Malta and its migrations.
