Factual and legislative analysis of the migration flows' integration in the EU labour market

Key points

The EESC:

• points to the fact that organised labour mobility in the EU is governed by a highly fragmented and overly complex framework that consists of several EU Directives and co-existing national legislation. Different categories of migrant workers are governed by different Directives and regulations, each covering different aspects and stages of the migration process;

• notes that with labour shortages manifesting themselves as a common European challenge, they also require a common response. Harnessing the potential of a single EU labour market, instead of operating as 27 separate labour markets, would put the EU in a better position to compete for migrant workers in the ‘global race for talent’;

• highlights the need to prescribe clear regulations on migrants’ access to working visas and work permits, as well as ensure recognition of their diplomas and professional qualifications;

• draws particular attention to the need to facilitate migrants’ access to the labour market by developing policies and action plans that aim to promote the inclusion of migrants (with particular provisions for women) in the labour market by addressing their specific needs and developing effective cooperation between governments, social entities and business communities on the design and funding of vocational training for migrants, ensuring that language and citizenship classes are also made available to asylum seekers and refugees.