June 29, 2023 
5 mins to read Getting a job in EU is not equally easy for EU and non-EU citizens. Nowadays it is common that the global workforce is diverse and multicultural. However, it is not uncommon to observe a tendency of a preference for European Union (EU) citizens when it comes to job positions within the EU. While this may raise questions regarding fairness and equality, it is important to understand the factors that contribute to the tendency of not providing the same amount of jobs for non-EU citizens.
In this article we will discuss the reasons behind the preference for EU citizens in job positions within the EU, while also considering the broader context of labour market regulations and economic integration.
EU and non-EU: Factors that affect the likelihood of landing the job
- Free movement and labour market integration:
One of the fundamental principles of the European Union is the free movement of people, allowing EU citizens to live and work in any member state without restrictions. This has contributed to a highly integrated labour market within the EU, creating a wealth of talent that can easily be accessed by employers. And especially the absence of work permits and visa requirements, which simplifies the recruitment process for both employers and employees, has resulted in a preference for EU citizens who can relocate and start working in an instance.
- Common legal frameworks and regulations:
EU citizens benefit from a common legal framework within the EU, which ensures their rights and protections in the workplace. This includes equal treatment regarding employment conditions, benefits, and opportunities for career development. Employers often prefer hiring EU citizens due to the familiarity and assurance provided by the consistent application of EU labour laws across member states. Hiring a non-EU citizen, on the other hand, may involve additional complexities related to work permits, visas, and compliance with immigration regulations.
- Language and cultural affinity:
Language capabilities can play a significant role in professional settings, and proficiency in the local language is often a requirement for job positions within the EU. EU citizens, being native speakers or having a greater exposure to the local languages, may have an advantage over non-EU citizens who might face language barriers. Additionally, EU citizens are more likely to possess an understanding of the local work culture and environment, which can contribute to better integration and collaboration within teams.
- Accessibility of talent:
The emphasis on education and training in the EU has led to the development of a skilled workforce within EU countries. European educational systems are often aligned with the needs of the EU labour market, which results in EU citizens possessing qualifications and skills that are highly valued across the EU. Employers may prioritise hiring EU citizens as they can utilise talent readily available within the EU, which makes the recruitment processes more efficient.
- Compliance with immigration policies:
Non-EU citizens can face difficulties in terms of immigration policies, work permits, and visa requirements when seeking employment within the EU. In continuation of the aforementioned preparatory European educational systems, employers often need to demonstrate that there are no suitable EU candidates available, before they can proceed with non-EU citizens. This is in line with immigration policies and to ensure the prioritisation of domestic and EU workforce. This process can be time-consuming and involve bureaucratic complexities, which ultimately lead employers to be in favour of EU citizens who can be hired and start working more efficiently.
In conclusion, there is not one simple explanation to the tendency of the preference for EU citizens for jobs in EU. It is a result of multiple factors, including the principles of free movement, common legal frameworks, language proficiency, cultural understanding, accessibility of talent, and compliance with immigration policies. While this can seem biassed towards EU citizens, it is important to consider the context of labour market integration and the benefits offered by a unified economic region. Efforts are being made to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, ensuring that opportunities are available to both EU and non-EU citizens based on merit and skills, while complying with the legal frameworks and regulations that govern employment within the EU.
Jobs for non-EU citizens from Job Squad within EU
At Job Squad we do have a few clients who are willing to help getting work permits and visa for non-EU citizens, so they can get a job in EU. This information will appear clearly in the specific job posts, and it depends a lot on language proficiency. If you decide to apply for a job where it is already stated that it requires you to be an EU citizen, we are not able to guarantee that you will receive a reply. This is simply because we are obliged to focus our resources on meeting the criterias of our clients in finding candidates with the qualifications they are looking for.
If you’re interested in getting a job in EU, you can click HERE and search for location, your native language, and/or type of position.
