13/12/2011

Single permit: simplified & effective management of third-country workers
Paving the way to a common European policy for legal economic immigration

By Véronique Mathieu, Rapporteur


Third-country workers will soon be able to apply for one single permit that will enable them to both reside and work in the European Union. The 'single permit' will be issued within four months. Any refusal has to be motivated and can be challenged in front of a court.

The directive for a single permit is the first measure of a package of directives paving the way to a common European policy for legal economic immigration.


A new role for Parliament

The Commission first presented a proposal on this issue to the Council in 2007. No agreement could be reached, however.

In 2009, the Lisbon Treaty entered into force, giving Parliament a role as co-legislator and enabling it to take part in the negotiations. EPP Group MEP Véronique Mathieu was tasked with seeing the proposal through the European Parliament, and represented Parliament's position in negotiations. After 24 months of dialogue, a compromise was found between the three European institutions.

Equal treatment

The directive gives a right of equal treatment to all third-country workers legally residing in the EU. They will be put on an equal footing with European citizens in a wide range of policy areas.

Their working conditions (pay, health and safety, collective rights) will be the same as those of European citizens. They will dispose of the same rights for the recognition of diplomas, social security, tax benefits and access to goods and services, including housing.

Lastly, pensions from third-country workers will be exported once they are paid. This means that the time they worked in Europe will be taken into account for their pensions, and their work in Europe recognised.

Investing in a skilled workforce to cover all needs

Workers will also have access to educational and vocational training. Unemployed third-country nationals will be able to benefit from the services of employment offices.

Member states can request additional information in paper or electronic format to prevent the exploitation of third-country workers and combat illegal employment.

The new procedure for third-country workers is effective, manageable and simplified. Moreover it will allow the European Union to address its shortages of workforce more easily.

Adoption by Parliament in December, in force in 2013

Parliament is due to adopt legislation on the single permit at its December plenary session, the last of the year. The directive will enter into force at the end of 2013. The directive does not concern posted third-country nationals, third-country nationals that have acquired long-term resident status, or those who have been admitted on a seasonal basis.

But it ensures the work of third-country workers will be respected and that they will be treated with dignity. And that European workers will not be exposed to unfair competition.