Global Immigration Counsel : Immigration Lawyer & Attorney : Littler Mendelson Law Firm : Permanent Residence, Labor Certification : Global Immigration Counsel

The European Union has formally adopted a work authorization program intended to attract highly skilled foreign workers and modeled after the United States’ Green Card program. The “Blue Card” will allow immigrants to work in any EU member state (except Great Britain, Ireland and Denmark) and will entitle card holders to limited social and welfare rights, for a renewable period of one to four years, EUobserver.com reported. Blue Card holders will receive equal treatment with nationals as to working conditions, including pay and dismissal, and will have some ability to move between EU member states. The program also includes penalties for employers who hire illegal immigrants.

• Email This
• Print
• Trackbacks
• Share Link

The European Parliament has voted in favor of legal sanctions against employers of illegal workers.  If formally agreed by EU member state ministers, the rules allowing for sanctions could become effective  in 2011.  The rules provide for administrative and financial penalties and, in the most egregious cases, criminal sanctions. Currently, only 19 of the 27 EU member states have criminal penalties available for such cases and the penalties differ widely from country to country. As many as eight million illegal workers are believed to be employed in Europe's hotels, farms, homes and other sectors.

• Email This
• Print
• Trackbacks
• Share Link