New European Commission proposal on attracting non-EU national students and researchers to EU
Date Published: 26-03-2013
A new proposal by the European Commission is intended to make it easier and more attractive for non-EU national students, researchers and other groups to enter and stay in the EU for periods exceeding three months. New legislation will set clearer time limits for national authorities to decide on applications, provide for more opportunities to access the labour market during the migrant’s stay and facilitate intra-EU mobility.
The recent European Migration Network (EMN) study on Immigration of International Students to the EU provides an overview and statistical information on the immigration and mobility policies of Member States and of their national strategies to promote Europe as an attractive destination for international students.
Ireland currently participates in Council Directive 2005/71/EC on a specific procedure for admitting third-country nationals for the purposes of scientific research. Ireland has not exercised its opt in to Directive 2004/114/EC on the conditions of admission of third-country nationals for the purposes of studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training or voluntary service.
For more information:
- EMN Ireland study on Immigration of International Students to the EU: Ireland
- European Commission Press Release IP/13/275: Making the EU more attractive for foreign students and researchers
- European Commission MEMO/13/281: Clearer and more consistent rules for non-EU nationals coming to the EU for studies, scientific research and other exchanges
- European Commission proposal for a Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, pupil exchange, remunerated and unremunerated training, voluntary service and au pairing