The European Parliament gave its approval to a first reading agreement for a directive on sanctions against employers who engage and exploit illegal immigrants. The measure is part of a package of proposals at European level to provide a comprehensive policy on immigration which include a blue card to attract skilled migrant labour and a returns directive for expelling those who have illegally entered the EU or overstayed their visas.

Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert MEP (VVD, Netherlands) the ALDE spokesperson on migration issues endorses the compromise with Member States and considers that the proposal will establish the necessary minimum standards across the European Union:
"Many Member States have already some kind of penalty system in place. However, enforcement is often lacking. Member States are now obliged to conduct effective and adequate inspections. An European, and thus common, approach is the only way forward in an EU without internal borders."