Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
The European Parliament has voted in favor of legal sanctions against employers of illegal workers. If formally agreed by EU member state ministers, the rules allowing for sanctions could become effective in 2011. The rules provide for administrative and financial penalties and, in the most egregious cases, criminal sanctions. Currently, only 19 of the 27 EU member states have criminal penalties available for such cases and the penalties differ widely from country to country. As many as eight million illegal workers are believed to be employed in Europe's hotels, farms, homes and other sectors.