Fast-track work permits proposed for next year

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Danish Parliament has passed a bill that places approved companies on a fast track for work permits.

What does the change mean? The new procedures will allow pre-certified, registered companies to obtain expedited work permits for highly skilled employees.

• Implementation timeframe: The procedures are expected to be implementedin April 2015.
• Visas/permits affected: Work permits for highly skilled workers.
• Who is affected: Pre-approved companies employing highly skilled non-EU nationals.
• Impact on processing times: Under the current bill, 30-day processing will continue; however, foreign employees will be able to start working as soon as their applications are filed.
• Business impact: Streamlined processing will reduce delays and associated costs, facilitating the posting of foreign workers.
• Next steps: Following the vote in Parliament, full details will be released in January.BAL is closely following developments and will update clients as soon as the fine points are clearer.

Background: On Dec. 18, Parliament passed the reform measure (“Reform af international rekruttering”), which proposes to create a fast track for pre-approved employers applying for work permits for highly skilled foreign labor. Under the current version of the bill, companies that are pre-approved will be considered low-risk and therefore will be allowed to start foreign employees as soon as they file their applications. Full details – including eligibility criteria for companies to become pre-approved, documentary requirements and any new procedures – are expected to be unveiled next month.

BAL Analysis: While the specifics of the fast-track procedures are still unknown and a final bill may differ from the current version, an expedited work permit procedure is a welcome development that will improve conditions for companies that qualify.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Denmark. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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