Break the chain of dependency and promote equal treatment of migrant workers - Joint statement on the revision of the Single Permit Directive

18 European networks and organisations, representing trade unions and CSOs, call on EU lawmakers not to trap migrant workers in exploitation, by ensuring a meaningful right to change employer, and to ensure full equal treatment, particularly in private rented housing.

The Spanish Presidency of the Council and European Parliament are working to reach a compromise on the revision of the EU Single Permit Directive, which creates a simplified application procedure for both work and residence permits and aims to promote equal and fair treatment of migrant workers. Among the remaining points of contention are the biggest game changers, changes that would actually make an important difference in the lives of millions of migrant workers and their families: the right to change employer and equal treatment.

EU lawmakers have a unique opportunity to make real improvements in the lives and working conditions of millions of workers. Without the below, the revision risks to actually be a regression, and worsen the conditions of migrant workers.

We call on the EU negotiators to revise the Single Permit Directive to establish:

- A simple and swift procedure so that workers can realistically change employer, job and sector, within the same country, on the same permit;

- No minimum requirement to stay with the first employer;

- A reasonable period of unemployment of 9 months, in line with other EU directives for migration;

- Extended status when workers’ rights are violated, allowing for a period of unemployment of 12 months;

- Equal treatment: across all areas of employment and social security, and access to goods and services.

You can read the full statement with the details of our demands by opening it from the column opposite. It is available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch and Greek.