The adoption of the amendments was driven by the need to bring Estonian laws in line with EU legislation, in particular with the EU directive "On the status of third-country nationals residing in the EU on a long-term basis." The implementation of the EU directive in Estonia will affect about 200,000 residents of the country, mainly citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, as well as stateless persons. About 8,000 Russian military pensioners and their family members may also apply for the status of permanent resident of the EU.
All residents of Estonia who currently hold a permanent residence permit in the country automatically receive the status of long-term resident of the European Union, which is confirmed by a mark in identity documents. The status of permanent resident of the EU gives stateless persons and third-country nationals residing in the country equal rights with Estonian citizens in the labor market of EU countries, as well as the right to study and social assistance in these countries.
As representatives of the Estonian Citizenship and Migration Board (CMB) emphasize, the possession of this status does not mean visa-free entry into EU countries for this category of persons. This will be possible only after Estonia joins the Schengen area in October 2007. Currently, only Estonian citizens have the right to visa-free entry.
Non-citizens and third-country nationals residing in Estonia who do not currently have a permanent residence permit may apply for the status of long-term resident of the European Union starting from June 1. At the time of applying, this category of persons must have a valid temporary residence permit, at least five years of residence in Estonia, a permanent legal income (which may also be provided by another family member), and health insurance.
The decision on granting the status will be made by the CMB individually, on the basis of submitted documents. The status of permanent resident of the EU will not be granted to persons who pose a danger to public order and state security. Consideration of an application for the status may take up to six months.
Applications for the status of permanent resident of the EU should be submitted before June 1, 2007. After this deadline, applicants will be required to take an exam in basic knowledge of the Estonian language.
Based on materials from RIA Novosti.