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

After adopting a series of amendments to the Commission proposal for a directive on a single application procedure for a single permit for third-country nationals to reside and work in the territory of a Member State and on a common set of rights for third-country workers legally residing in a Member State, the European Parliament rejected the amended proposal in its final vote (306 votes in favour of the amended proposal, 350 votes against and 25 abstentions).

The key points of discussion among the political groups were the scope of the legislation, equal treatment of third country nationals and EU citizens and whether Member States should be enabled to issue or require other documents, in addition to the permit.

Having established that the Commission would not be withdrawing its proposal, the President of Parliament confirmed that the matter would be referred back to the committee responsible under Rule 56(3) of the Rules of Procedure.