Draft legislation to issue work and residence permits more quickly for non-EU nationals was backed by MEPs on Thursday. The changes will provide greater legal security to such individuals.
The Civil Liberties Committee adopted a report updating the 2011 'Single permit directive', which creates a single administrative procedure to deliver a permit to non-EU nationals wishing to live and work in an EU country.
"We are making the procedure for obtaining a single permit as simple and fast as possible. This way it can become a useful tool for companies and workers from third countries, responding quickly to the needs of the labour market and strengthening legal paths to reach Europe in search of work," said rapporteur Javier Moreno Sanchez.
"Secondly, we guarantee equal treatment of workers from third countries as compared to national workers, protecting them from exploitation and other illegal situations, while facilitating their full integration in our societies," he added.
Simplified and accelerated procedure
MEPs also amended the Commission’s proposal to include seasonal workers or those with temporary protection status. EU Member States would still retain the power to determine how many third-country nationals can enter their territory for work.
A limit of 90 days will also be set t0 reach a decision on applications for a single permit (down from the current four months). This time limit would be shortened to 45 days if the applicant were selected through an EU talent partnership or already holds a single permit in another EU country.
The single permit should be issued in paper format, but also be accessible electronically.
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Under the revised rules, there will be a simplified procedure to allow the worker to change employers. Additionally, MEPs want the single permit holder to be able to keep it if they become unemployed for at least nine months (up from the three months proposed by the Commission). This will allow holders time to search for new employment.
With a view to the future, MEPs agreed to open negotiations with the EU ministers on the final form of the law – a decision is expected by the European Parliament plenary session of 17-20 April. If there are no objections in plenary, the talks may begin once the Council adopts its own negotiating position.
