First reading of the draft Act amending the Aliens Act (European Union Blue Card) (349 SE)
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 3rd session, plenary session
Date: 2024-02-14 20:36
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 12
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 25m
AI Summaries: 12/12 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The sitting focused on the first reading of Bill 349, the Act amending the Aliens Act (European Union Blue Card). Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets introduced the bill, the purpose of which is to transpose the amended EU Blue Card Directive to facilitate the movement and employment of highly qualified third-country nationals within the EU. The Minister emphasized that the number of Blue Card holders in Estonia is small (82 valid cards as of January 15, 2024) and the changes will have a marginal impact. The main amendments concern the clarification of the concept of higher professional qualification (including taking into account the work experience of ICT specialists instead of higher education), the extension of the permitted unemployment period (up to 6 months), and the movement of Blue Card holders between member states. Hendrik Johannes Terras, Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, confirmed that the committee had discussed the bill thoroughly and decided to conclude the first reading. During the debate, Helir-Valdor Seeder (Isamaa) criticized the government's migration policy and considered the bill to increase bureaucracy, proposing that it be rejected. Urve Tiidus (Reformierakond) supported the bill, emphasizing its pragmatism and benefit to the ICT sector. Minister of the Interior Läänemets explained that this is an improvement of the existing directive, which supports the internationalization of Estonian companies, and refuted claims of facilitating mass migration. The proposal by the Isamaa faction to reject the bill was voted down, after which the first reading was concluded.
Decisions Made 3
The proposal put forth by the Isamaa faction to reject Draft Bill 349 during its first reading was defeated by vote (6 votes in favor, 48 against).
The first reading of Bill 349 was concluded.
The deadline for submitting amendments was set for February 5:15 PM on February 28th.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas introduced the third item on the agenda and explained the procedure for the first reading of Bill 349, before inviting Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets to the Riigikogu rostrum.
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
The government bill amending the Aliens Act transposes the changes introduced by the EU Blue Card Directive. It clarifies the definition of higher professional qualification and the requirement for proving relevant professional experience, extends the period during which a Blue Card holder may be unemployed, and clarifies the rules governing the movement of a Blue Card holder from another Member State in Estonia for work purposes—specifically, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The bill emphasizes that this movement does not grant the right to commence work without either short-term employment registration or a residence permit. The amendments are expected to have a minor impact, requiring notification and the updating of informational materials, with all associated costs to be covered by the PPA (Police and Border Guard Board) budget.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas thanked the Minister for the presentation, announced that there were no questions, and invited Hendrik Johannes Terras, the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, to the Riigikogu rostrum to speak next.
Hendrik Johannes Terras
AI Summary
The Constitutional Committee debated the implementation of the European Union Blue Card in Estonia, addressing its distinction from the US Green Card, the definition of ICT workers within the European Qualifications Framework, the opportunities for labor market mobility and long-term unemployment, the advantages and obligations of Blue Card holders, family migration and the rights of residence and employment, and the impact of national wage structures, and decided to conclude the first reading with 7 votes in favor and 3 opposed; the deadline for amendments is ten working days.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker Jüri Ratas announces the intention to open the discussions, proceeds to open them, and invites Helir-Valdor Seeder, the representative of the Isamaa faction, to the rostrum.
Helir-Valdor Seeder
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
The Isamaa faction believes that this draft bill will increase bureaucracy and state costs, and that migration issues should remain solely within the exclusive competence of the member states. Consequently, the bill should be rejected at the first reading, and we should await a comprehensive package that covers study migration and other related issues.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The Deputy Speaker offered thanks and invited Urve Tiidus, the representative of the Reform Party faction, to the podium.
Urve Tiidus
Profiling Eesti Reformierakonna fraktsioonAI Summary
The presentation explains how the amendment to the Estonian Aliens Act transposes the European Union Blue Card and specifies the requirements for high-level professional skills and work experience, which enable the movement of top specialists from third countries to the Estonian labour market.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Deputy Speaker of the Riigikogu Jüri Ratas thanked the rapporteur, closed the debate, and invited Minister of the Interior Lauri Läänemets to the rostrum, noting that "at first we couldn't get this item moving, and now we can't stop it."
Siseminister Lauri Läänemets
AI Summary
Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets stated that Estonia's migration policy will not change drastically. He explained that this involves amending an existing directive, and changes to the Foreigners Act are being processed separately. The quota will not be increased, and the measures are targeted at highly qualified labor and the internationalization of Estonian companies.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
Jüri Ratas declared the discussions closed, announced the lead committee's position that the first reading of draft bill 349 must be concluded, and added that the Isamaa faction had submitted a motion to reject draft bill 349 during the first reading and would now put it to a vote.
Aseesimees Jüri Ratas
AI Summary
The voting result was 6 in favor, 48 against, and there were no abstentions; the proposal did not receive support; the first reading has been concluded, and the deadline for submitting amendments is 17:15 on February 28th of the current year, and the consideration of the third agenda item is complete.