After 5 years of negotiations, the reform of the 2009 Highly Qualified Directive has been adopted (Directive (EU) 2021/1883). This will make the EU Blue Card/EU even more attractive for foreign skilled workers – the aim is to attract more qualified third-country nationals to work in the EU in the long term. The scope of application has been extended to beneficiaries of international protection, including family members of EU citizens, who previously (only) could claim their right to freedom of movement depending on EU citizens, can now receive an EU Blue Card. Finally, the Blue Card/EU has also been opened up to seasonal workers.
Executives and academic or comparable professionals in the field of IT and communication technology will also have access to an EU Blue Card/EU if they have at least 3 years of professional experience in these professions over the last 7 years, have skills comparable to a university graduate and their professional experience is necessary to carry out their employment in the EU. This is a reaction to the glaring shortage of skilled workers, especially in the IT industry, which already took place at the national level at the beginning of 2020 with the introduction of Section 6 of the Employment Ordinance.
The salary thresholds have been significantly lowered. Young professionals who graduated less than 3 years ago can continue to be privileged in terms of the amount of their salary. The granting of residence permits to family members of holders of a Blue Card/EU has also been better regulated: they must now be granted family reunification at the same time or as soon as possible. Family members also have unrestricted access to employment and self-employment.