An article in the Irish Times from Thursday, 23
August discusses the need for flexible visa procedures for non-EU researchers
to enter the state. One of the main issues regarding immigration is the concern
that foreign nationals will overtake the job market, leaving Irish citizens
without work, or that they will become a burden on society, however, this isn’t
a concern regarding researchers. Ireland welcomes foreign researchers,
believing that they can only benefit the state by bringing their expertise and
experience over. Countries will frequently set immigration barriers to prevent
non-EU workers from overcrowding the job market, but it is important that
researchers are able to easily obtain a visa.
In 1998, France was the first country to
pioneer the Scientific Visa, where non-EU researchers could enter the state and
work without needing to apply for a work permit, as well as obtaining the right
to have family members join them immediately. This attracted a number of
researchers into the State. Then, in 2005, the European Third Country Directive
mandated that Member States within the Schengen zone adopt the French model.
Once a researcher lawfully enters a Schengen area, they can move freely
throughout the area. Ireland is not a Schengen country, but the government has
signed on to the directive. The article reports that “The scheme targets non-EU
researchers employed by the Irish higher education and public research sector
as well as companies involved in research, development and innovation.” The
Hosting Agreement, in conjunction with the scheme, provides that the researcher
has the same rights as a Green Card holder.
The article concludes, “Given the global
competition for talent, it is essential to have schemes like the Hosting
Agreement in place so we can continue to attract researchers to Ireland.”
Brophy Solicitors
24.08.12
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