Comments on the latest positions of the European Parliament on Labour Migration in view of the Trilogues
Our organisations represent Churches throughout Europe – Anglican, Orthodox, Protestant and Catholic – as well as Christian agencies particularly concerned with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. As Christian organisations, we are deeply committed to the inviolable dignity of the human person created in the image of God, as well as to the concepts of the common good, global solidarity and the promotion of a society that welcomes strangers and values freedom, security and justice in policy and practice. As the European Parliament and Council are working to reach a compromise on two labour migration directives (Single Permit (SP) and Long Term Residence (LTR)), we would like to underline our hope for enhanced mobility and rights for third-country nationals, the prospects for efficient procedures and a broader inclusivity, which would signal a proactive stride towards reinforcing the EU's commitment to equal treatment and integration.
The forthcoming interinstitutional negotiations will hopefully work to harmonize regulatory frameworks while further advancing the interests of both member states and third-country nationals alike. In many of the recent discussions surrounding the SPD, a significant emphasis has been placed on the need to address structural labor shortages and enhance the rights and protection of third-country nationals (TCNs) working in European Union (EU) member states. As Christians, we welcome legislative initiatives that guarantee the fair and equal treatment of strangers, and that will result in supporting humans - irrespective of their nationality -to live a life in freedom and dignity. Taking into consideration the recent endorsement of the reform (recast) of the 2011 SPD and recast of the LTR and the proposed amendments by the EU Parliament, we consider this development to be a positive stride forward. The initial proposal together with amendments proposed by the European Parliament mark a significant step in the right direction. A welcoming atmosphere for TCN within the EU is vital for a functioning labour driven migration. Hence, the member states and the Commission should be cautious and aware of the fact that any discrimination against TCN discourage people to migrate to Europe. Thus, an afford is needed to change discriminatory rhetoric towards migrants in general to keep Europe attractive to ... read more in PDF