WORK
European Parliament votes for fairer work permits
The European Parliament’s civil liberties committee adopted its position on the revision of the Single Permit Directive that would make work and residence permits fairer for migrant workers. Under this proposal, workers would be able to change employer on the same permit, which is key to prevent exploitation, and would have nine months to look for work in case they lose their job. The scope of application of the directive would be extended to seasonal workers and au pairs, those with residence permits linked to national forms of protection or temp protection, and those whose deportation has been suspended and have a right to work. The Council is currently negotiating its own position. Read more on our Twitter.
Germany to extend work permits for workers from Western Balkans
The German government is planning to extend its “Western Balkans Regulation”, which allows workers from Western Balkans countries to obtain a work and residence permit to work in Germany, irrespective of their qualifications. This scheme was set to expire in 2023 but has now been extended indefinitely, and its annual quota of work permits will double to 50,000. Trade unions have raised concerns around the high dependency that such workers endure under this pathway, as the work permit is tied to one employer.
WORK
European Parliament votes for fairer work permits
The European Parliament’s civil liberties committee adopted its position on the revision of the Single Permit Directive that would make work and residence permits fairer for migrant workers. Under this proposal, workers would be able to change employer on the same permit, which is key to prevent exploitation, and would have nine months to look for work in case they lose their job. The scope of application of the directive would be extended to seasonal workers and au pairs, those with residence permits linked to national forms of protection or temp protection, and those whose deportation has been suspended and have a right to work. The Council is currently negotiating its own position. Read more on our Twitter.
Germany to extend work permits for workers from Western Balkans
The German government is planning to extend its “Western Balkans Regulation”, which allows workers from Western Balkans countries to obtain a work and residence permit to work in Germany, irrespective of their qualifications. This scheme was set to expire in 2023 but has now been extended indefinitely, and its annual quota of work permits will double to 50,000. Trade unions have raised concerns around the high dependency that such workers endure under this pathway, as the work permit is tied to one employer.