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BackThe European Parliament (EP) this week discussed the Commission proposal on a single application procedure for third-country nationals for a single permit to reside and work in the EU and on a common set of rights associated with it. This is supposed to lead to a simplification and a greater harmonisation of the different rules applied in the Member States. This will benefit both migrants and employers. The right of the Member States to decide on the admission of third-country nationals to their labour markets, however, remains unaffected.
Further Information:
AK Position on the Proposal for a directive on a single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State
The Lisbon Treaty enables the European Parliament to have new discussions
The proposal on the Directive originates from 2007. The EP submitted its statement in 2008. Then, however, the EP had only been consulted; hence, it did not have a say in the matter. The Lisbon Treaty changed this and now allows the EP a full say. As a result, the Council must debate its position with the EP in order to reach agreement.
A set of rights shall put migrants at the same level as nationals
It is the aim of the Directive that migrants from third countries, who have been legally admitted to a Member State, but who are not yet in possession of a long-term residence permit, will be treated equally to nationals. Such provisions shall create equal minimum conditions within the EU. Relatives too shall have the right to equal treatment. Seasonal workers, however, shall be exempt from the Directive. Third-country nationals shall also receive equal treatment with regard to social security. The Directive, however, should not grant third-country workers more social security rights than the existing provisions of the Union already give third-country nationals with cross-border earnings. The proposal does not include vocational training measures within the scope of social assistance schemes.
Council and Parliament are still divided and looking for majority
The first draft proposal is now available in the EP and there are growing demands to also include seasonal workers and refugees. This was not the original intention as the Commission plans to present a separate proposal on seasonal workers. Since presenting the proposal in 2007, the Council has not made any noteworthy progress. Maybe, the integration of the Parliament is able to lend greater impetus to the discussion.
The proposal on the Directive originates from 2007. The EP submitted its statement in 2008. Then, however, the EP had only been consulted; hence, it did not have a say in the matter. The Lisbon Treaty changed this and now allows the EP a full say. As a result, the Council must debate its position with the EP in order to reach agreement.
A set of rights shall put migrants at the same level as nationals
It is the aim of the Directive that migrants from third countries, who have been legally admitted to a Member State, but who are not yet in possession of a long-term residence permit, will be treated equally to nationals. Such provisions shall create equal minimum conditions within the EU. Relatives too shall have the right to equal treatment. Seasonal workers, however, shall be exempt from the Directive. Third-country nationals shall also receive equal treatment with regard to social security. The Directive, however, should not grant third-country workers more social security rights than the existing provisions of the Union already give third-country nationals with cross-border earnings. The proposal does not include vocational training measures within the scope of social assistance schemes.
Council and Parliament are still divided and looking for majority
The first draft proposal is now available in the EP and there are growing demands to also include seasonal workers and refugees. This was not the original intention as the Commission plans to present a separate proposal on seasonal workers. Since presenting the proposal in 2007, the Council has not made any noteworthy progress. Maybe, the integration of the Parliament is able to lend greater impetus to the discussion.
Further Information:
AK Position on the Proposal for a directive on a single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State