EU Blue Card: positive vote on new scheme to attract highly-skilled migrants

The Chamber of Deputies has expressed a favourable opinion on the draft decree of the President of the Council of Ministers introducing new rules on the entry and residence of highly skilled foreign citizens, in line with Directive (EU) 2021/1883. The new rules focus on various aspects, including expanding the pool of highly skilled workers from third countries, changes to the procedure for requesting a work permit, procedures for family reunification, and facilitations for foreigners holding the EU Blue Card issued by other Member States.

The new rules update the requirements and procedures for issuing the EU Blue Card. To be eligible to apply for an EU Blue Card under these rules, highly qualified third-country nationals must meet the following requirements:

   a. Possession of higher education qualifications of at least three years’ duration or equivalent, in accordance with the provisions of the current EU regulations;

   b. Proven professional experience of at least three years in the highly qualified profession for which they apply for the EU Blue Card;

   c. Job offers from an Italian employer or an employer from another EU Member State, in compliance with the provisions of this decree.