EU Proposes New Measures for Easier Foreign Worker Recruitment

The European Union has announced new measures to facilitate the recruitment of foreign workers, aimed at simplifying qualification procedures and reducing administrative hurdles. The European Commission proposed these measures on September 15, 2026, as part of a legislative package designed to help businesses access skilled workers and address labor shortages.

Key proposals include establishing common procedures for recognizing qualifications obtained outside the EU, which would allow employers to assess foreign applicants' credentials more easily. The Commission anticipates that recognition procedures could take no more than 11 weeks, with some regulated professions completed within five weeks.

Additionally, a European Social Security Pass is proposed to help workers prove their social security and health insurance rights when moving between EU countries. The measures are intended to enhance compliance with labor laws and prevent exploitation of workers.

However, they do not automatically grant foreign nationals permission to work in Europe and must undergo the EU legislative process before implementation.