Migration policy: single application procedure for a single permit to reside and work, common set of rights for third-country workers

The Council held a political debate on a proposal to establishing a single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in a member state and a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in the EU.

The exchange of views focused mainly on the scope of the directive and was conducted on the basis of a Presidency compromise text. The Council instructed its preparatory bodies to continue examination of the proposal with a view to concluding negotiations on the directive as soon as possible.

To recall, this proposal, submitted by the Commission in October 2007, was the subject of extensive debates under previous Presidencies leading to a substantial level of agreement on a large number of provisions. It requires unanimity within the Council.

The European Parliament delivered its opinion in November 2008.