In an attempt to attract skilled and talented workers to the bloc, the Council of the EU has approved the revision of the Single Permit Directive.
Under this directive, nationals of non-EU countries are granted a single permit that gives them the right to work and stay in the bloc, SchengenVisaInfo reports.
The previous directive was approved in 2011, and the update that took place last week is designed to address the shortcomings and complexities of legal migration to the EU.
The directive sets out the administrative procedure for a single permit for both the right to work and the right to stay in the EU and determines a common set of rights for third-country workers.
In line with the update, eligible third-country nationals will now be subject to a shortened application procedure, and they will also enjoy strengthened rights that will allow them to change their employer and a limited period of unemployment.
What Is the Application Procedure for a Single Permit?
The application process for a single permit has been streamlined under the new directive, permitting quicker decisions.
Nationals of non-EU countries can apply for a single permit for both the right to work and the right to stay in the EU from their home country.
Those who already reside in the EU and hold a valid residence permit can apply for a single permit within the bloc without having to travel to their home country just to complete the application procedures.
Once an EU member state approves the single permit, the document will serve as a work and residence permit, omitting the need for separate documents.
EU Member States Now Must Make Decisions on Issuing Permits Within 3 Months
In line with the new rules, a significant improvement is that member states will now have a stricter timeline for processing the single permit applications.
EU Member States will have to make a decision on the permit within three months of having received the application.
Similarly, in cases when the member states need to assess the need for foreign workers, the decision on the permit needs also to be made within three months.
The time limit for issuing a decision can only be extended in some exceptional cases for a period of 30 days.
The time limit for a decision may exceptionally be extended for an additional 30 days in cases of complex applications.
Non-EU Workers Are Allowed to Change Their Employer & Stay in the Bloc for a Limited Period if Unemployed
In addition to the above-mentioned, the revised directive allows single permit holders to change their employer, provided that they notify the authorities.
However, despite being able to change the employer, the member state may require the non-EU national workers to work for a minimum period of time for their first employer and then change them.
As for single permit holders who might become unemployed, they will now be permitted to remain in the territory of the member state for a limited period. The period is capped at three months during the time that the single permit is valid or six months after two years of holding the permit.
Member states will have two years time to transpose the changes to their legislation.
