The rules for foreign workers in EU countries are changing

2024-03-20 10:05:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

The rules for foreign workers in EU countries are changing

Illustrative photo

The EU wants to make it easier for foreign workers to obtain combined work and residence permits. The measure comes as an effort to promote legal immigration of third-country nationals to the bloc for work purposes and to address current labor shortages in the EU, SchengenVisaInfo reports.

The simplification of the rules for obtaining a single permit that allows the holder to work and stay in the EU was supported by the European Union Parliament. However, the new rules must be approved by the Council before they come into effect.

The latest update, which was supported by the majority of Members of Parliament, introduces several important changes aimed at increasing the efficiency and flexibility of the single permit system.

The changes include faster decisions on applications, the ability to change employers and the extension of stay for single unemployed permit holders.

The decision on the single permit will be taken within a maximum of 90 days

One of the most important changes is that member states will be forced to process single permit applications within a strict 90-day deadline. This new change significantly reduces the waiting time for a decision from the current four months.

However, in cases where more complex applications need to be processed, an additional extension of 30 days may be granted.

Single permit holders will have the right to change their employer

In accordance with the new rules, third-country nationals holding a single permit will also gain the right to change employer, profession and work sector. This will be possible with a simple notification from the new employer.

EU member states will have the option to set a six-month restriction during which foreign workers will not be allowed to change their employer. However, some exceptions will apply, especially in cases where the employer breaches the employment contract.

Greater protection is offered to unemployed single permit holders

The updated directive also provides greater protection for third-country nationals holding a single permit who find themselves unemployed. Single permit holders will now have up to three months to find alternative work before their permits are revoked.

In cases where third-country nationals have a single permit for more than two years, they will be given a six-month period to find work and continue their stay in the bloc.

Also, these two periods can be extended even further in cases where citizens of third countries have worked under exploitative conditions./ CNA