European Union: New immigration rules for Third-country nationals
European Union Long-Term Residency: New Rules Reshape Immigration
In a significant move, the European Union has overhauled its immigration regulations, specifically targeting third-country nationals such as Nigeria, imposing a mandatory five-year legal residency in an EU member state.
The decision was reached during a crucial meeting of the Council’s Permanent Representatives Committee, where the EU member states outlined their negotiating mandate for revising the EU long-term resident directive.
Under the Council’s position, third-country nationals can now accumulate residence periods of up to two years in other member states to meet the five-year requirement. Notably, specific legal residence permits, including the EU Blue Cards or permits for highly qualified employment, will be accepted for residency in another member state.
Applicants seeking long-term resident status must demonstrate stable financial resources, possess sickness insurance, and may need to fulfil integration conditions. Although this status is deemed permanent, there’s a caveat: it can be revoked if the individual hasn’t maintained their primary residence in the European Union for a specified period.
EU long-term residents, once granted, will enjoy intra-European Union mobility rights, allowing them to work or study in other European Union countries under specific conditions. Equally significant, they will be entitled to equal treatment with European Union nationals in areas such as employment, education, and tax benefits.
The European Union Background
As of 2020, over ten million third-country nationals held long-term or permanent residence permits out of the 23 million legally residing in the European Union. The proposed update aims to streamline processes, simplify acquisition conditions, and break down barriers to intra-EU mobility rights.
The Council’s negotiating mandate will pave the way for discussions with the European Parliament to finalize the legal text, marking a crucial step towards a more cohesive and inclusive EU immigration framework.
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