EP: European ‘Blue Card’ for Knowledge Migrants

European ‘Blue Card’ for Knowledge MigrantsFollowing the American ‘green card’, a European ‘blue card’ for highly skilled migrants – often referred to as ‘knowledge migrants’- is to be introduced. The pan-European work permit aims to make the EU countries more appealing to the highly qualified from outside the EU.The requirements to be met by those who apply for a blue card are the same in all participating countries: a work permit prior to departure, with the prospect of a substantial salary. Blue card holders are to earn at least 1.5 times the average wage in the recipient EU country. A year and a half after their arrival they are allowed to work in another European country as well. Apart from Great Britain, Denmark and Ireland, all EU countries are taking part. In the Netherlands a regulation for knowledge migrants already exists. To be eligible for this, migrants must submit their application together with their future employers. In their application they must be able to demonstrate that they meet the income requirement of 45,000 Euros. For migrants up to the age of 30 the requirement is not quite so stringent.Highly qualified migrants without employment furthermore have one year to find a job in the Netherlands or to start an innovative company. They are required to have obtained a Master’s degree from a Dutch institution of higher education or at one of the 150 best universities in the world. The THES- and Shanghai rankings are indicative in this respect. The European regulations will eventually replace the Dutch ones, spokespersons of the IND (the organisation for entry into The Netherlands) and EU say. But whether this means it will be easier or more difficult for knowledge migrants to get into the Netherlands remains to be seen when the details of the European regulation have been worked out. The countries involved have allowed themselves two years to introduce the blue card.Tale Telling Poetry Professor Pink SlippedFor the first time the prestigious poetry chair at the University of Oxford was held by a woman. But after nine days poet Ruth Padel has already retired from office.It appeared that prior to her election, Padel sent e-mails to journalists containing damaging information on her biggest rival, Derek Walcot. She wrote that in 1982 when he was working at Harvard University the Nobel prize winner had harassed a female student.Not long after the e-mails, hundreds of Oxford scientists received anonymous slanderous letters with similar information about Walcot. He pulled back from the race and Padel took office as the first female Professor of Poetry in Oxford since the chair was first established in 1708.Nine days later she relinquishes the position, in her own words because of ‘discord’ within the British university. She calls sending the e-mails ‘a foolish mistake’, but says she had nothing to do with the letters.HOP

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on 11/06/2009

European ‘Blue Card’ for Knowledge Migrants

Following the American ‘green card’, a European ‘blue card’ for highly skilled migrants – often referred to as ‘knowledge migrants’- is to be introduced. The pan-European work permit aims to make the EU countries more appealing to the highly qualified from outside the EU.

The requirements to be met by those who apply for a blue card are the same in all participating countries: a work permit prior to departure, with the prospect of a substantial salary. Blue card holders are to earn at least 1.5 times the average wage in the recipient EU country. A year and a half after their arrival they are allowed to work in another European country as well. Apart from Great Britain, Denmark and Ireland, all EU countries are taking part. In the Netherlands a regulation for knowledge migrants already exists. To be eligible for this, migrants must submit their application together with their future employers.

In their application they must be able to demonstrate that they meet the income requirement of 45,000 Euros. For migrants up to the age of 30 the requirement is not quite so stringent.

Highly qualified migrants without employment furthermore have one year to find a job in the Netherlands or to start an innovative company. They are required to have obtained a Master’s degree from a Dutch institution of higher education or at one of the 150 best universities in the world. The THES- and Shanghai rankings are indicative in this respect. The European regulations will eventually replace the Dutch ones, spokespersons of the IND (the organisation for entry into The Netherlands) and EU say. But whether this means it will be easier or more difficult for knowledge migrants to get into the Netherlands remains to be seen when the details of the European regulation have been worked out. The countries involved have allowed themselves two years to introduce the blue card.

Tale Telling Poetry Professor Pink Slipped

For the first time the prestigious poetry chair at the University of Oxford was held by a woman. But after nine days poet Ruth Padel has already retired from office.

It appeared that prior to her election, Padel sent e-mails to journalists containing damaging information on her biggest rival, Derek Walcot. She wrote that in 1982 when he was working at Harvard University the Nobel prize winner had harassed a female student.

Not long after the e-mails, hundreds of Oxford scientists received anonymous slanderous letters with similar information about Walcot. He pulled back from the race and Padel took office as the first female Professor of Poetry in Oxford since the chair was first established in 1708.

Nine days later she relinquishes the position, in her own words because of ‘discord’ within the British university. She calls sending the e-mails ‘a foolish mistake’, but says she had nothing to do with the letters.

HOP