New law in favour of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment

The shortage of skilled labour in Luxembourg is a major challenge for the national economy, affecting various sectors including finance, business services and IT.

The law of 4 June 2024, which has been in force since 1 July 2024, aims to remedy this problem and support employers who are looking for highly qualified workers. The aim of this new legal framework is to make the EU Blue Card more attractive to highly qualified third-country nationals wishing to work in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or any other EU Member State.

The main objectives of this law are as follows:

• To simplify administrative procedures for highly qualified third-country nationals wishing to work in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg,
• Strengthening their rights during unemployment,
• Speeding up their professional integration,
• Facilitating their mobility within the European Union, and
• Simplifying procedures for family reunification.

This new legislation, which transposes Directive (EU) 2021/1883 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of highly qualified employment and amends the law of 29 August 2008 on the free movement of persons and immigration, represents significant progress. As attracting talent is a priority for the UEL, this initiative is welcomed.