EU eases hiring of foreign workers

The European Union has introduced new measures to address growing labour shortages by making it easier for skilled workers from outside the bloc to live and work in member countries.

The updated Single Permit Directive is now fully operational across the EU, while the EU Talent Pool, a new digital recruitment platform linking non-EU jobseekers with European employers, has officially entered into force.

The European Commission said these initiatives aim to support the EU economy as demographic changes continue to reduce the available workforce.The new measures are aimed at helping EU countries recruit more non-EU workers as employers continue to report labour shortages in several sectors.

The Commission said facilitating legal migration is important for strengthening the EU's competitiveness and meeting labour market needs.READ MORE: France changes housing aid rules for international students: Here's what to knowSingle permit rulesUnder the updated Single Permit Directive, non-EU nationals can apply through a single process that grants both the right to work and the right to reside in an EU country.The new rules allow holders of a valid residence permit to submit a single permit application from within the EU without returning to their country of origin.

Member states must also decide on applications within 90 days, including any required labour market test.The directive also introduces stronger safeguards for non-EU workers.

EU countries must inform workers about their rights, allow them to change employers under certain conditions, and permit them to remain in the country during periods of unemployment while their single permit remains valid.EU member states were required to update their national laws by May 2026 to implement the directive.

The new rules do not apply to Denmark and Ireland.READ MORE: Germany introduces Digital Master Assessment Test for Indians applying for Master's programmesNew EU hiring platformThe EU Talent Pool, which entered into force in June 2026, will become the first EU-wide digital platform designed to support international recruitment of workers from outside Europe, especially in occupations experiencing labour shortages.The European Commission is currently developing the platform, which is expected to become fully operational by the end of 2027.Once launched, jobseekers from third countries will be able to create profiles highlighting their skills, qualifications, work experience and language abilities.

Employers in participating EU countries will be able to advertise job vacancies and recruit suitable candidates through the platform.According to the European Commission, the new measures form part of the EU's broader approach to migration and asylum.

The Commission said efforts to facilitate legal migration and resettlement complement actions to tackle irregular migration under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. ...