Brussels, 13/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 13 July, the commissioner for internal affairs, Cecilia Malmström, proposed a directive on seasonal employment, which establishes a common procedure for entry and residence in the EU for non-EU seasonal workers. This draft directive is expected to create many jobs in agriculture, horticulture and tourism because there are fewer citizens of the Union who want to work as seasonal workers in these sectors. The proposal establishes common definitions and criteria, such as the existence of a work contract or a binding job offer that specifies a salary. The proposal sets a standard seasonal work time limit throughout the EU (6 months per calendar year) and provides for a multi-seasonal permit for three years or a facilitated re-entry procedure in subsequent seasons. The text also defines legal provisions applicable to working conditions of seasonal workers and entitles seasonal workers to equal treatment with nationals of the member states in determined fields (freedom of association and affiliation, social security schemes, income-related acquired statutory pensions, access to goods and services, etc). The directive leaves EU member states free to apply a labour market test and to decide how many seasonal workers they admit. The proposal does not create the right to admission. (B.C./transl.fl)