European Parliament passes rules to simplify issuance of Single Work Permit

The European Parliament has recently adopted rules aimed at simplifying the process of issuing the Single Permit for Work in the member countries of the European Union. These changes aim to expedite the granting of permits and provide greater flexibility to migrant workers in changing employers, occupations, and work sector.

The revision of the Single Work Permit Work Directive, approved in 2011, aims to facilitate the legal access of workers from Third Countries and to assist companies in identifying workers who have the necessary skills. At the same time, efforts are made to prevent labour exploitation, ensuring greater protection and respect for workers’ rights.

Under the new provisions, Single Work Permit holders in all European Union member states will have the right to change employer, job position, and work sector through a simple notification to the new employer. Member states will have the option to establish an initial period of up to six months during which changing employers will not be possible, except in cases of serious contractual violations by the previous employer.

Before taking effect, these new rules must be officially approved by the Council of the European Union. Member states will then have two years from the directive’s entry into force to adjust their national legislations to the established changes. It should be noted that this legislation will not be binding on Denmark and Ireland.