EC mulls fast track 'scientific visa'
of third country researchers to and within the EU have been adopted
by the European Commission, writes Wai Lang Chu.
Raffaele Liberali, director of the Commission's Research DG told Cordis News that, in his view, the proposals are a significant step forward.
Working closely with Home Affairs and Research, the Directorates General for Justice proposed the introduction of a fast track procedure for the admission of researchers. Member States' immigration authorities would have to deliver residence permits within 30 days.
In addition, employers of foreign researchers are obliged to confirm the existence of a valid research project and the researchers' scientific skills, financial means and health insurance.
Liberali told Cordis News that once a researcher had gained their residence permit, they would be able to move freely within the member states in order to attend meetings or conferences. If they wish to extend their stay in the EU, they would not need to return to their country of origin to submit the application.
Under the new proposals the definition of researcher is to be kept deliberately broad, relating to all qualified individuals in the knowledge and innovation process. The single residence permit will cover all types of researcher contract, such as fellowships, traineeships and scholarships.
Discussions between the Member State research and interior ministers have already evaluated the measures in order to reach an agreement. One such decision allowed Member States to voluntarily accelerate the implementation of the measures. Liberali hoped a political agreement would be reached on the issue as early as this summer.
