With 47 votes in favour, 13 against, and no abstentions, the Civil Liberties Committee adopted a report updating the 2011 Single permit directive, which foresees a single administrative procedure for delivering a permit to third-country nationals wishing to live and work in an EU country. MEPs amended the Commission’s proposal to include seasonal workers (check separate vote) or with temporary protection status. EU member states would retain the power to determine how many third-country nationals can enter their territory for work.

Faster decisions

MEPs set a limit of 90 days for reaching a decision on an application for a single permit, from the current four months. This time limit would be shortened to 45 days if the applicant were selected through an EU talent partnership or already holds a single permit in another EU country. The single permit should be issued in paper format and be accessible in electronic format.

More chances to change jobs

Under the revised rules, there…