EU institutions are set to streamline administrative rules for work and residence visas, making it easier for third-country nationals to work and live in the EU.
During the Strasbourg plenary session on Wednesday, March 13, the European Parliament confirmed the provisional agreement reached by EU institutions in December 2023.
EU ministers must now formally approve the deal before the end of this legislative mandate, which concludes with the EU elections in early June.
New Rules to Attract Migrant Workers:
The legislative initiative falls under the ‘legal migration’ category, aiming to attract migrant workers to address the EU labor market shortage. This initiative contrasts with the EU migration pact, a set of proposals aiming to reduce the number of migrants seeking international protection at EU borders.
Key Updates:
The new rules will simplify administrative procedures for foreign workers to obtain permits in the EU. This update modifies the Single Permit Directive, initially adopted by EU institutions in 2011, which established EU rules for granting work permits. These changes will not apply to Denmark and Ireland.
Reduced Decision Time:
The directive shortens the decision time for applicants from four months to three months, extendable by 30 days for complex cases. Individuals with valid EU residence permits can now apply for a Single Permit to change their legal status without returning to their home country.
Flexibility for Workers:
The changes allow third-country nationals in the EU to switch employers, occupations, or sectors by notifying relevant authorities, who have up to 45 days to raise objections. Some EU countries may enforce a rule prohibiting changing employers within the first six months, with exceptions for gross contract violations.
Extended Job Search Period:
Unemployed Single Permit holders will have up to three months to secure new employment before their permit is revoked. For those with permits valid for over two years, this period extends to six months. Workers in exploitative conditions may receive a three-month permit extension and must prove financial self-sufficiency if further extensions are needed.
Legislative Context:
Spanish MEP Javier Moreno Sanchez, the directive’s rapporteur, emphasized that regular migration combats irregular migration and human trafficking while facilitating foreign workers’ integration. He stated that the directive will help third-country workers reach Europe safely and support European companies in finding needed workers, while preventing labor exploitation.
Implementation Timeline:
Member states will have two years to implement the directive from its entry into force, a few days after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal.
Ongoing Efforts for Labor Migration:
This move follows the European Commission’s proposals in November to facilitate the employment of third-country nationals and address labor shortages. Alongside the Single Permit Directive, the EU was negotiating the Long Term legislative file to ease permanent visa and work permit processes, although this proposal was blocked by EU ministers.
Sourced from: https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/eu-simplifies-visa-rules-for-foreign-workers/
