Blue Card for European Union

The European Union (EU) has announced a new scheme to attract qualified, talented foreign workers to work in any country within the 27-nation bloc. The new scheme is known as the "blue card", in contrast to the green card provided by the America.

There are some similarities between the two - blue card holders are able to work in each country for at least a year before they move on. However, there are also several differences; unlike the green card, the blue card holder will have to leave the EU state when their cards expire.

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Such a move is not without a reason. Highly skilled workers will be attracted into the country (or region) yet avoiding brain drains at the same time. It has become apparent that from some reports, by 2050, a full third of all Europeans will be at least 65 years and over, due to its falling birth rate.

In summary, blue card holders will

1. be able to work in any EU member state provided they work in each country for at least a year before moving on.
2. not have permanent residence rights. Card holders will have to leave when the card expire. However, they do have the option to return a few years later.

This move by the EU has finally made it possible for foreign workers to penetrate into the EU market, however due to the challenges, it seem that there is little attraction as card holders do not have permanent residence rights.

It may still remain less attractive as compared to options offered by some other countries, e.g. America, Australia, Canada or Singapore.