My question deals with Independent Service Providers from Barbados working in the EU. Does the EPA allow for independent midwives, nurses, physiotherapists or paramedical personnel to enter into contracts and provide services to clients in Europe?

February 09 2012 | Midwifery, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Paramedical

 

Yes, Independent midwives, nurses, physiotherapists or paramedical personnel who have a contract with a consumer in an EU member state may travel to these states to provide their services, but there are some conditions – both general – and country specific.

Generally, the person applying to supply the service from Barbados must be a self-employed person established in the Barbados, and must have obtained a service contract for a period not more than 12 months.

The Barbadian professional must possess at least 6 years professional experience in the relevant sector and must have a university degree or equivalent qualification and professional qualifications where required by law.

The temporary entry will be for a cumulative period not exceeding 6 months (or 25 weeks in Luxembourg) during a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract (whichever is less) and the visa will permit the Barbadian to work only on the contracted service activity – no other business activities will be permitted.

The following conditions are country and sector specific.  The chart explains the conditions for each country as applicable by sector:

Midwives	Nurses, Physiotherapists & Paramedical Services
Sweden: No market access or national treatment restrictions will be applied to service providers.	Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden & United Kingdom: Economic needs test will be applied.
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia & United Kingdom: Economic needs test will be applied.	Bulgaria, Finland, France, Hungary & Slovakia: There is no commitment to permit the provision of this service via this mode.
Bulgaria, Finland, France, Hungary & Slovakia: There is no commitment to permit the provision of this service via this mode.