Expats from outside the European Union were given a boost last week when the Euro Parliament called on governments to give more rights to non-EU residents working here.

The parliament voted for a resolution advocating equal treatment of legally resident foreigners (living at least three years in a European Union country) with EU citizens with regard to social benefits and employment, working and training conditions. Non-EU citizens would also be able to take part in public life at local level — maybe stand in city elections.

An end to the gap between those from inside and outside the EU is perhaps nearing an end. And it's up to us to push for that to happen.

But that end might yet be a long way away. As with all such resolutions, this one has to be put before the Council of Ministers for approval. Then it goes before national parliaments which, as we know, can take years to pass European legislation — that's despite a pledge EU leaders made in 1999 to boost expat rights in a bid to solve growing shortages of healthcare, education and IT workers.

So don't go flying the European flag outside your house just yet.

However, the parliament's resolution is a move in the right direction. At the moment, non-EU citizens in Europe might feel like second-class citizens. Their residency is frequently under question and they are more at risk of discrimination than their European colleagues. It sometimes seems that it is EU first in the line, non-EU get to the back please (and don't forget your passport, birth certificate, college certificate and 100 metres of red tape).

A more equal status will give non-EU expats security, allowing them to commit to the continent and build careers and lives here, especially if that means changing jobs and cities or countries frequently.

Europe benefits from these workers which, according to a recent report, number some 2 million across the EU. Expatriates from outside the EU are important to the success of global enterprises which pump millions of euros into the European economy.

Here at Expatica we will be keeping an eye on how this resolution progresses. Let’s make sure it doesn’t get stuck in the pipe.

11 February 2002

Subject: Expat rights