Intra-corporate transfer: conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals

Ministers held a first exchange of views on a Commission proposal for a directive on conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals concerning intra-corporate transfers (regarding managerial and qualified employees for branches and subsidiaries of multinational companies).

Several ministers recalled the right of member states to determine the number of third-country nationals to be admitted to their territories. In this context, they pointed out that the impact on national labour markets should be taken into account. Several ministers also highlighted the need for greater flexibility, for example with reference to the proposed duration of stay or the time limits in which applicants must be given a decision.

Another issue highlighted by several ministers was the question whether the rights accorded to third-country nationals should be equivalent to those enjoyed by nationals of the host member states, in particular with regard to social security benefits.

The Commission underlined that the main goal of the proposal was that once member states decide they need legal immigrants, that equal treatment will be given to those accepted throughout the EU. On the proposal for intra-corporate transferees, favourable conditions were necessary in order to achieve the main objective of the dossier: to attract the qualified personnel needed by the European labour market.