Getting a work permit in the EU becomes easier

The Council of Europe and the European Commission have reached a preliminary agreement on one of the biggest reforms in the field of employment. If the provisions of the new rules are agreed smoothly, it will change the directive last updated in 2011. The key provision of the new law will be a significant simplification of labor migration to and within the EU.

The first and most important innovation is that any foreigner will be able to apply for a work permit not only from the territory of a third country, as is the case now, but also from the territory of any EU member state. However, this will be possible only if the applicant has a residence permit or some other legal basis for staying on the territory of the alliance. The maximum time limit for processing an application is 90 days, after which the issuing country must also provide the applicant with an initial entry visa.

The new rules will also take the rights of foreign workers more seriously. For example, there will be a standard period of unemployment during which the permit cannot be revoked. In addition, workers can change employers by notifying the relevant authorities. However, there is expected to be a minimum compulsory period during which workers will have to work for their first employer.

Another important innovation will be the right of states to set limits on the number of workers recruited abroad and quotas for the positions they occupy.

European authorities expect that if the pacts are adopted, the economy will receive a significant boost to pull it out of stagnation. This could help countries such as Germany, which is currently experiencing a severe labor crisis. In theory, the simplification of procedures will attract more skilled workers.