Europe
European immigration policy and labor market updates
Key trends shaping Europes labor and immigration landscape
Extensions of temporary protection directives
The European Union extended the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) for Ukrainian nationals until March 4, 2026, ensuring continued access to residence, work, and educational benefits across member states. While the extension provides stability for many refugees, some member states have signaled restrictions on extending protection for non-Ukrainian nationals who previously qualified.
Several countries such as Bulgaria, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic also aligned with the EU’s extension, requiring beneficiaries to update their status or reapply locally to continue receiving protection benefits.
Changes in salary thresholds and employment criteria
Belgium revised salary threshold regulations, now excluding benefits-in-kind from minimum salary calculations for highly skilled permits like the EU Blue Card. This could require some employers to adjust base salaries to meet compliance standards. Additionally, Belgium has simplified the process for changing employers and expanded the list of shortage occupations.
In France, minimum salary updates for foreign workers have been made in line with inflation adjustments and changes in labor demand. These salary requirements apply to various permit categories, including the Talent Passport.
Border controls and travel authorization systems
The United Kingdom launched the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which will require all non-visa travelers to secure permission before traveling to the UK by the end of 2024. The European Union’s equivalent, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), will become mandatory for all Schengen countries starting mid-2025. Both systems are aimed at enhancing border security and tracking movement within the region.
Internal Schengen border checks have been extended in several countries, including Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, and Sweden. These checks, initially introduced in response to security threats, are now being prolonged for national security reasons, affecting mobility across the Schengen area.
Document requirements and processing changes
Estonia introduced a new policy allowing certain Russian and Belarusian students, doctors, and academic staff to apply for longer-term residence permits if they meet specific criteria, easing previously strict entry and stay conditions.
In Poland, authorities have updated processing times and document submission requirements for certain visa categories to align with EU regulations, which may impact processing efficiency and timelines.
Enhanced flexibility for intra-company transfers and trainees
Luxembourg and other EU countries have started to harmonize rules around the Intra-Corporate Transferees (ICT) Permit, enabling more straightforward multi-country assignments for non-EU employees. These changes include simplified mobility rights and reduced administrative requirements, making the ICT permit a preferred option for companies with a pan-European presence.
France and Germany have introduced new pathways and benefits for researchers, students, and trainees to facilitate easier movement and compliance, supporting innovation and academic collaboration across Europe.
Country insights: policy changes and new regulations
Germany:
Germany introduced significant reforms to its immigration system to attract skilled workers from non-EU countries. Key updates include new pathways for applicants with vocational experience, shorter permanent residence requirements for skilled workers and EU Blue Card holders, and an easing of family reunification rules for parents of skilled workers. The changes are part of a broader legislative package aimed at addressing Germany’s ongoing labor shortages, which are anticipated to increase the presence of foreign workers in the country significantly.
Luxembourg:
Luxembourg has implemented the updated EU Blue Card Directive, effective July 2024. The revisions include a lowered salary threshold, a shorter employment contract requirement (from 12 to 6 months), and easier employer change rules for Blue Card holders. This update aims to make Luxembourg more attractive to high-skilled talent, supporting the local labor market and easing administrative barriers.
Ireland:
Ireland enacted the Employment Permits Act 2024 on September 2, marking the most significant overhaul of its employment permit system in over a decade. Key changes include the introduction of a Seasonal Employment Permit, more flexible criteria for employer changes, and modernization of labor market testing requirements.
Austria:
Austria updated its employment regulations, including an increase in the minimum salary thresholds for EU Blue Card holders and expanded the shortage occupation list to include new roles such as railway personnel and social workers. Seasonal worker quotas were also adjusted slightly to accommodate labor needs in tourism and agriculture.
Want more information on European immigration policy and updates
Melissa Rowsell Messchaert
Director
Ashton Porter
Associate