The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step towards making the region more appealing to foreign workers and further protecting their rights. The revised Single Permit Directive, which has been formally adopted following the European Council’s approval on April 12, 2024, is a testament to this commitment. Although the exact date of implementation is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to occur shortly.
The revised Directive brings several changes, including the right for existing EU residents to apply in-country, a reduced application processing time frame from four to three months, and enhanced rights for permit holders to change employers and remain in the country during short-term unemployment. It also introduces new compliance monitoring obligations for EU Member States and a redress mechanism for foreign nationals.
Each EU Member State will have up to two years to domestically implement the terms of this Directive from the date the laws formally go into effect. However, these changes must be domestically implemented before they have legal effect in each country.
The revised Single Permit Directive is expected to increase the uptake of single permits in the European Union, thanks to a faster and easier application process and greater flexibility for permit holders to adapt to changing labor market conditions and opportunities. However, employers may find themselves in a reduced negotiation position with existing employees who hold such a permit.
The Single Permit Directive, first adopted in 2011, sought to create a single permit for both residence and work in EU countries, establish a single application process for such permits, and ensure fair treatment of applicants and equal status of Single Permit holders compared to EU nationals in areas such as working conditions, health and safety, social security, education and vocational training, and tax benefits, access to goods and services including housing and employment advice services.
The revised Directive will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The current scheduled date of such publication remains unclear, but is expected to occur in the near future. However, as seen with other Directives, some EU Member States may not adhere strictly to this deadline, meaning that some foreign nationals and employers may not see their legal position change for several years.
Pros:
The revised Directive brings several changes, including the right for existing EU residents to apply in-country, a reduced application processing time frame from four to three months, and enhanced rights for permit holders to change employers and remain in the country during short-term unemployment. It also introduces new compliance monitoring obligations for EU Member States and a redress mechanism for foreign nationals.
Each EU Member State will have up to two years to domestically implement the terms of this Directive from the date the laws formally go into effect. However, these changes must be domestically implemented before they have legal effect in each country.
The revised Single Permit Directive is expected to increase the uptake of single permits in the European Union, thanks to a faster and easier application process and greater flexibility for permit holders to adapt to changing labor market conditions and opportunities. However, employers may find themselves in a reduced negotiation position with existing employees who hold such a permit.
The Single Permit Directive, first adopted in 2011, sought to create a single permit for both residence and work in EU countries, establish a single application process for such permits, and ensure fair treatment of applicants and equal status of Single Permit holders compared to EU nationals in areas such as working conditions, health and safety, social security, education and vocational training, and tax benefits, access to goods and services including housing and employment advice services.
The revised Directive will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The current scheduled date of such publication remains unclear, but is expected to occur in the near future. However, as seen with other Directives, some EU Member States may not adhere strictly to this deadline, meaning that some foreign nationals and employers may not see their legal position change for several years.
Pros:
- The revised Directive makes the EU more attractive to foreign workers by simplifying the application process and reducing the processing time.
- It provides greater rights to permit holders, including the ability to change employers and remain in the country during short-term unemployment.
- The Directive introduces new compliance monitoring obligations for EU Member States, ensuring better protection for foreign nationals.
- Employers may find themselves in a reduced negotiation position with existing employees who hold such a permit.
- The implementation of the Directive depends on each EU Member State, and some may not adhere strictly to the deadline, delaying the legal effect of the changes.
I think it's a good move! More rights for workers and faster processing times! 
