EU Approves Updated Single Permit – Work Rules for Third-country Nationals

Photo source: European Parliament

As part of ongoing efforts to address irregular migratory flows and ensure workers from third countries reach Europe safely, EU lawmakers endorsed a set of revised rules for combined work and residence permits for third-country nationals.

This an update of the single permit directive which foresees a single administrative procedure for the issue of permits to third-country nationals wishing to live and work in an EU country.

Among others, the updated framework sets a 90-day limit for permit decisions. Up until now it took up to four months. Additionally, holders of a valid residence permit can now apply for a “single permit” from within the territory, which means that a person legally residing in the EU could request to change their legal status without having to return to their home country.

At the same time, single permit holders will also be able to change employer, occupation, and work sector with a simple notification from the new employer. EU members states will have the option to require an initial period of up to six months during which a change of employer will not be possible.

Lastly, if a single permit holder is unemployed, they will have up to three months – or six if they have had the permit for more than two years – to find another job before their permit is withdrawn. EU states may choose to offer longer periods.

Photo source: European Parliament

“Regular migration is the best instrument to combat irregular migration and human traffickers. We need to address irregular migratory flows, foster coherence between the different legal migration instruments, and facilitate foreign workers’ integration,” said EU Rapporteur Javier Moreno Sanchez.

The new rules will go into effect after approval by the European Council. EU states will have two years after the entry into force of the directive to introduce the changes to their national laws.