The ifo Institute, a major research group in Europe, has proposed that the European Union (EU) create work visa arrangements with safe third countries.
This idea aims to offer legal ways for low-skilled workers to move to the EU, especially since they have few opportunities to enter legally.
Work visa arrangement to minimize irregular migration
Panu Poutvaara, a director at the ifo Institute, believes that not having legal entry options is a major reason why the EU’s asylum system is overwhelmed.
Many people seeking asylum, like those from Turkey, have little chance of being allowed to stay but could benefit from work visa arrangements.
In the proposed framework, people from countries with EU agreements could apply for work visas regardless of their skills.
These visas could be for a limited time and would not include social benefits, similar to Germany’s 2016 deal with six countries in the Western Balkans.
EU work visas aid low-skilled migrants
Yvonne Giesing, a researcher at ifo, highlights several benefits of work visa agreements between the EU and other countries.
With these agreements, immigrants could apply for work visas and enter the EU legally, avoiding dangerous journeys and paying smugglers.
This plan could decrease illegal immigration and asylum applications while providing more legal job opportunities. It would also weaken human smuggling activities.
For the EU, work visa agreements could reduce the costs of processing asylum claims.
These agreements would be especially helpful for asylum seekers with few chances in their home countries.
To keep control of the job market, the EU could issue work visas for short periods and limit social benefits for these visa holders.
EU adopts new migration pact
The ifo Institute’s proposal comes at a time when the EU has made changes to its migration and asylum policies.
The new migration pact aims to set clear rules for handling migrant arrivals and create the same procedures in all member countries.
The updated system wants to encourage cooperation in managing migration while respecting humanitarian duties.
It includes a plan for member states to help each other when faced with high numbers of migrants, either by relocating people or providing other support.
The pact will make screening and asylum processes faster, focusing on quickly returning those who do not have the right to stay.
It also includes steps to address the reasons people migrate and to strengthen partnerships with the countries they come from or travel through.
Shaping migration policies
The proposal of work visa agreements with other countries shows its effort to balance its migration policies.
This approach fits with the goals of the EU’s new migration and asylum pact, which focuses on managing migration effectively while meeting humanitarian duties.
By offering legal pathways for low-skilled workers, the EU could reduce illegal immigration and asylum claims, letting member states focus on those who truly need protection.
However, the EU needs to design these agreements carefully to match existing policies like the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and national immigration rules. Balancing security, economic needs, and humanitarian concerns will be crucial as the EU shapes its future migration policies.
Challenges and solutions of managing migration
As the EU deals with irregular migration and overloaded asylum systems, work visa agreements with other countries could be a solution.
These agreements, suggested by the ifo Institute, could provide legal ways for low-skilled workers to enter the EU, reducing dangerous journeys and human smuggling.
The EU’s new migration pact aims to create a more efficient and consistent way to manage migration and asylum processes.
By combining legal entry options with these new policies, the EU hopes to address the problems faced by both migrants and member states.