Mumbai: The European Union (EU) is planning to set up a `Blue Card' visa programme on the lines of the US `Green Card' system for highly qualified immigrant workers.

The 27-nation EU proposes to introduce Blue Card, a special residence and work permit to immigrants, in an effort to meet the growing demand for professionals like doctors, engineers and IT experts.

The Blue Card programme will grant these highly skilled immigrants a "very generous" legal status.

The blue Card programme, if implemented, would open new avenues for Indian professionals in European countries besides the United Kingdom.

Immigrant workers would also be able to move, work and live in any EU country, provided there is a work contract and a need in that labour market, European Union officials said in Brussels.
 
The proposal that aims at accelerating and simplifying the formalities for entry of immigrant workers by doing away with different and complex national procedures besides facilitating their mobility throughout the EU, however, is still at the consultation level.

The Blue Card system also aims at providing immigrant workers better conditions for family reunification and right to equal treatment with EU nationals on a host of social and economic rights.

The proposal needs the approval of member states and the nod of European Parliament.