Immigration policy seeks to establish a framework for legal migration, fully taking into account the importance of integration into host societies. The EU measures in support of legal immigration cover the conditions of entry and residence for certain categories of immigrants, such as highly qualified workers subject to the 'EU Blue Card Directive' in addition to students and researchers. Family reunification and additional rights for long-term residents are also provided for.
In December 2011, the so-called Single Permit Directive was adopted. It creates a set of rights for non-EU workers legally residing in an EU State.
The aim is to simplify immigration procedures and give migrants clear employment-related rights. Furthermore, the Long-Term Residence Directive has created a single status for non-EU nationals who have been lawfully resident in an EU country for at least five years, thus establishing a legal basis for equal treatment in all EU countries.
Integration of non-EU nationals into EU countries
Official EUROPA.EU websiteSuccessful integration of immigrants into their host society is essential to maximise the opportunities afforded by legal migration and to realise the potential that immigration has for EU development.
As the Official EU website europa.eu notes:
Greater mobility brings with it opportunities and challenges. A balanced, comprehensive and common migration policy will help the EU to seize these opportunities while tackling the challenges head-on. This policy – currently under development – is built upon solidarity and responsibility. It will have the added advantage of making a valuable contribution to the EU’s economic development and performance in the long term.
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