Other countries

Sweden is adjusting its immigration policy to allow both high and low skilled workers from outside the EU easier access to the Swedish labour market.

Under plans being discussed within the Irish Government, foreign workers wishing to renew their work permits may have to prove that they can speak an adequate level of English.

The European Union has started discussions with Ukraine on a possible visa free travel regime for Ukrainian citizens.

The European Union Blue Card proposal is expected to be voted on next month at a European Union Council of Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs meeting. Ministers are expected to green-light the proposal, which would make skilled immigration to the European Union easier.

European businesses have been taking part in an informal debate on the need for skilled workers from outside of the European Union. There doesn't seem any doubt that highly skilled immigration is extremely important.

The Swedish government is proposing changes to their immigration policies that would grant more power to employers in deciding whether they need to recruit foreign labor. The proposal calls for the changes to take effect on December 15th.