Proposal on EU visas for third country researchers moves forward 

1. Proposal for a Council directive on a specific procedure for admitting third-country nationals for the purposes of scientific research: The purpose of the directive is to introduce a special procedure for admitting third-country nationals (their entry and residence) carrying out scientific research in the EU for a period of more than three months. 

2. Proposal for a Council recommendation to facilitate the admission of third-country nationals to carry out scientific research in the European Community: The measures of the recommendation relate to access to research posts on the labour market. They seek to ensure that researchers from third countries have rapid and easy access to research posts without any time limits. 

The recommendation calls on member states to progressively adopt measures to facilitate the admission of third-country nationals, the issuing of residence permits, family reunification and operational cooperation between member states and the Commission. The measures will be introduced in advance of the transposal of the directive.

3. Proposal for a Council recommendation to facilitate the issue of uniform short-stay visas for researchers from third countries travelling within the EU: This recommendation completes the above general framework so that third-country researchers can circulate within the common area to take part in specific events under the scientific research programmes within the European Community.

Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) gave its backing for the proposal on 16 March 2005. Via amendments, MEPs are requesting the addition of mandatory provisions on family reunification so that direct family members have the right to join the researcher. They also propose that the researcher and his relatives have full access to the national health insurance system.

The Parliament is only being consulted on this legislation and its amendments are not binding on the Council.