People with certain jobs may be allowed to stay in Europe for longer without a visa, according to the EU Visa Strategy. In a bid to boost the economy, the European Commission said “select” non-EU members who rely heavily on mobility between Member States may be able to stay for longer than the Schengen Area’s 90-day limit within any 180-day period, in a strategy published on January 29.
The 15-page document outlined policies to “power” the EU economy by attracting global talent to its workforce, boosting tourism by facilitating travel, and reducing the complexity of travelling to the Schengen Area. However, it said that at present, “lengthy and fragmented procedures for long-stay visas discourage those people Europe needs the most from coming to the EU”.
To enable a more seamless travel experience and boost the economy, the report listed six professions that may be able to access member states for longer periods.
This included touring artists, athletes attending sporting events, experts working on cross-border projects, workers supporting the EU industries and services, and truck drivers servicing EU businesses.
The Commission said it would work closely with Member States to find solutions for extended short stays for “selected categories of third-country nationals”, and provide “legal clarity for travellers”.
The full message stated: “Currently, EU law authorises stays within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days for visa-free and visa-required travellers. Any stay exceeding 90 days requires a long-term visa or residence permit issued by a Member State.
“However, some third country professionals who heavily rely on mobility between Member States – such as touring artists, athletes attending sporting events, experts working on cross-border projects, work-force supporting the EU industries and services or truck drivers servicing EU businesses – may require access to different Member States for more than 90 days within 180 days, without needing long stay or residence in the EU.”
It said this created a “complex system” further complicated by bilateral agreements which allow nationals of specific third countries to stay beyond 90 days, but only within the territory of the Member State concerned.
It added: “The Commission will work closely with Member States to identify pragmatic solutions to accommodate extended short stays for selected categories of third-country nationals, ensuring a security and economic benefit for the Union, as well as legal clarity for travellers.
“These reflections will also explore the introduction of new legislation with a specific set of extended short-stay rules at EU level. In this context, the Commission will review the impact of existing bilateral agreements allowing extended stays, with a view to gradually phasing them out.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
