This European Blue Card Directive 2021/1883 will replace the ‘old’ European Blue Card Directive 2009/50. The new directive aims to create a clear and transparent European Union-wide admission system that should attract highly qualified workers from third countries to the European Union. Efforts are also being made to ensure that if these labor migrants eventually come to the EU with a European blue card, they will also stay here and can also work more easily in other EU Member States.

The European Blue Card Directive must be implemented into the Netherlands law by 18 November 2023 at the latest (see Article 31 of the Directive). The Dutch government has already submitted a proposal to amend the Immigration Act to parliament, with an explanation to the amendments.

A proposal to amend the subordinate legislation has not yet been submitted.In any case, the new directive must be fully transposed into the Immigration Act and regulations by 18 November 2023 at the latest.