This article was originally published on March 27, 2023, and was updated on June 9, 2023, to reflect the latest updates and information.
June 9, 2023, Update: The European Council agreed to review the single permit directive in coordination with the European Parliament. The two governing entities will negotiate the final wording of the text before it is set to be introduced and potentially voted into EU law.
The Directive aims to manage the admission of third-country nationals intending to reside and work in countries throughout the European Union (EU). To apply, third-country nationals will be able to submit a work and residence permit application to the territory of a third country from within the EU. Then, when a member state decides to issue a single permit, this decision will serve as residence and work authorization.
According to the announcement, a four-month decision period will apply to most completed applications. According to the Council’s position, this period also covers the time needed to check the labor market situation before a decision on the single permit is adopted.
In addition, the Council is also expected to introduce a temporary stay period of two months for third-country nationals who lose their employment.
Original Post From March 27, 2023:
Key Points
- The European Union will simplify and streamline the issuance process for work and residence permits issued to third-country foreign nationals
Overview
The European Parliament introduced draft legislation to simplify the issuance process of work and residence permits for third-country nationals. The legislation aims to present the following changes:
- Faster decision times: Decisions on single permit work and residence permits will be set to 90 days. Currently, the decision time varies and can take up to four months. In addition, the time will be shortened to 45 days for applicants selected through an EU talent partnership or those who already hold a single permit issued in another EU country.
- Changing employers and expanding permit validity: The committee will aim to extend the validity of the single permit for up to nine months while the permit holder is unemployed.
What are the Changes?
The European Parliament proposed draft legislation to simplify the issuance of work and residence permits for third-country nationals. The changes include faster decision times and expanding the permit validity for up to nine months for unemployed permit holders.
Looking Ahead
The committee will present the legislation to the Council of the EU during the week of April 17, 2023. According to the announcement, EU member states will retain the power to determine the number of third-country nationals permitted to enter their territory for work. Continue to check the EU’s website for the latest updates and information.
Written by: Jessie Butchley, Global Immigration Writer, Envoy Global
Source: European Parliament
