Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus recorded zero EU Blue Card authorisations for highly skilled non-EU workers in 2024, according to Eurostat’s latest migration and asylum in Europe report.
Eurostat report focus
The publication examines migration and asylum trends across the European Union, with a focus on migration flows, population by citizenship, migrant skills, international protection and irregular migration.
EU Blue Card overview
EU Blue Cards are work and residence permits for highly qualified non-EU nationals, designed to help EU member states attract skilled professionals in sectors facing labour shortages.
EU totals and country breakdown
Eurostat data showed that around 78,100 highly qualified non-EU workers received an EU Blue Card in 2024.
Germany issued 56,300 EU Blue Cards, accounting for 72 per cent of all permits.
Poland followed with 5,900 Blue Cards, representing 7 per cent, while Hungary issued 2,900 permits, or 4 per cent.
France ranked fourth with 2,800 EU Blue Cards, also accounting for 4 per cent of the EU total.
Nationality breakdown
By nationality, Indian citizens received 16,300 permits in 2024, equal to 21 per cent of all cards issued across the EU.
Citizens of Russia received 6,700 permits, representing 9 per cent of the total.
Turkish nationals received 5,600 Blue Cards, accounting for 7 per cent, while Chinese citizens received 4,600 permits, or 6 per cent.
What do you think Cyprus’ zero EU Blue Card authorisations in 2024 indicate about its approach to attracting highly skilled non-EU workers?