European Parliament vote on migration – spouse right to work is crucial
15 March 2013As part of an Own-Initiative Report on the integration of migrants, the European Parliament voted today with a 334 to 247 majority to recognise improved rules for migrant spouses.
Parliament “recalls that around half of the EU’s migrants are women; emphasises that an independent migration status for women and the right to work for spouses are crucial elements to ensure effective integration”
Speaking after the vote, rapporteur (lead MEP) Nadja Hirsch stated that “Europe needs an effective immigration strategy and employment is key to successful integration. Ensuring that family members of skilled workers gain access to work should be part of a strategy that looks at the bigger picture, meeting social objectives while making the EU an attractive place to do business. ”
While the report is non-legislative it does represent the European Parliament’s view on the issue of migrant integration and could initiate a future legislative proposal.
Permits Foundation has been campaigning on legal migration issues at EU level since 2001. Spouse access to employment for the duration of the assignment was included in the 2009 Blue Card Directive for highly qualified migrant workers. The Foundation is currently lobbying for similar provisions to be built-in to the Intra-Corporate Transferee Directive for which negotiations are on going.
