World Immigration News

(European Policy Centre)Non-EU workers in a changing labour market: what role for fair labour mobility?

Release Date
2026-09-24
Media
European Policy Centre
Summary
The European Commission’s new Fair Labour Mobility package aims to facilitate cross-border employment, address labour shortages and protect migrant workers through faster recognition of qualifications, digitalised social-security records and stronger enforcement by the European Labour Authority (ELA).

Non-EU nationals account for approximately 26% of home-based care workers and one-third of seasonal agricultural workers in Europe. However, their dependence on employers for residence permits and accommodation increases their vulnerability to exploitation. Although the proposed reforms would improve transparency and enforcement, the ELA would still lack independent inspection powers, leaving implementation largely dependent on national authorities.

The author argues that stricter immigration policies, complicated recruitment procedures and limited legal migration pathways may increase reliance on intermediaries and irregular employment. Achieving genuinely fair labour mobility requires structural reforms, including reducing workers’ dependence on individual employers, providing stable residence and work permits, establishing clear renewal procedures and expanding safe, accessible legal recruitment channels.
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Europe

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