Equal treatment for migrant workers

Caritas Europa co-signed a statement to call on EU lawmakers to promote better treatment for migrant workers and break the dependency chain on their employers.

As the European Parliament and the Council are finalising the negotiations on the revision of the EU Single Permit Directive, Caritas Europa joins 18 European networks and organisations, representing trade unions and NGOs to call for a fair reform.

In line with our briefing paper on labour migration, we call on EU decision makers 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 revision of the EU Single Permit Directive aims to create a simplified application procedure for both work and residence permits and 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 millions of migrant workers’ lives 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 employers, jobs and sectors within the country on the same permit.
• No minimum requirement to stay with the first employer.
• A reasonable period of unemployment: Single permit holders should be allowed a period of at least nine months to seek alternative employment.
• Equal treatment: Migrant workers should have equal treatment across all areas of employment and social security, and access to goods and services.