The Cabinet approved on Wednesday the amended bills that set out the procedures for the EU Blue Card and concern the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment.
A Ministry of Interior press release said according to the proposal presented by the Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, “the proposed changes aim to adopt a more flexible framework for the entry and residence of highly qualified workers from outside the EU”.
In addition, more flexible rules are introduced to attract highly qualified workers to the EU, including more flexible admission conditions, enhanced rights and easier movement and work within the Union.
In addition, the new procedure specifies the term ‘highly qualified’ with the possession of a higher education qualification of at least three years’ duration.
Managers and professionals in the field of information and communication technologies may alternatively have relevant professional experience of at least three y
ears within the seven years preceding the application for a Blue Card.
According to the press release, the amendments are in line with the talent attraction programme and are part of a broader effort to promote legal migration to replace irregular migration as a migration management measure.
At the same time, they harmonize national legislation with the relevant Directive of the European Parliament.
Source: Cyprus News Agency