In the future, third country nationals will be able to obtain a harmonized EU work and residence permit without additional regulations. Earlier this week, Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached agreement on the revised Combined Residence Permits Directive, which introduces a single application process for combined EU work and residence permits. In line with the amended Regulation, non-EU workers will have uniform rights with respect to recognition of qualifications, working conditions, social security and tax benefits. Welcoming the reached agreement, the EU Commission said that this is an important step in the bloc’s efforts to attract foreign talents to areas facing severe shortages. Evaluating different needs that the labour market has and then meeting them with the right talents will foster innovation and growth, according to the Commission. For this reason, the new rules that will contribute to the streamlining of the application process for a single permit have been applauded. Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life, Margaritis Schinas, said that the new rules will help the EU create comprehensive, fair, and robust migration system needs. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, also welcomed the move, saying that legal migration is essential to the EU’s economic growth. She further stressed that it is very important to attract new talent to the EU “for today and for tomorrow.” Once the revised Single-Permit Directive is adopted, nationals of third countries will be able to apply for a single permit not only from non-EU countries but also from EU Member States, provided that they already live in that state and hold a valid residence permit. Moreover, the revised legislation will establish streamlined application procedures to facilitate international recruitment. The legislation will further provide stronger protection for workers from third countries by allowing them to change employers. Non-EU workers will also be subject to a minimum employment period during which their single work and residence permit will not be withdrawn. Additionally, the legislation will ensure that everyone gets treated equally and obliges Member States to provide monitoring and inspection mechanisms as well as sanctions for employers who violate non-EU workers’ rights. The agreement now needs to be formally approved by co-legislators, and rules will then become officially effective.