Brussels, 29/09/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament (EP) civil liberties committee gave their backing, on Tuesday 28 September, to a draft directive putting in place a simplified administrative procedure for foreigners working in the EU and social and economic rights equivalent to those enjoyed by national workers. The report on this proposal, drafted by Véronique Mathieu (EPP, France) was adopted by 41 votes to 8, with 2 abstentions. The “single permit” directive, presented by the European Commission in October 2007, seeks to allow third country nationals to be granted a work permit and a residence permit through a single procedure at a one-stop shop (see EUROPE 9530). Any decision to reject an application for a permit would have to be justified and there would be a right of appeal in accordance with national law. The draft directive does not affect the rules on the admission of non-EU citizens, which are decided by the member states. However, it guarantees them certain core rights and gives them a secure legal status, as a safeguard against exploitation. The legislation does not cover seasonal labourers (who are the subject of a different draft law) or applicants for international protection. The directive seeks to ensure equal treatment between workers from non-EU states and national workers in areas such as pay, working hours and conditions, training and social security. However, member states can restrict equal treatment in certain circumstances, for example, by requiring proof of a thorough knowledge of the language in order to follow education or training courses. The members of the civil liberties committee believe it is for the member states to decide whether an application for a single permit should be lodged in the non-EU country or the member state of destination. If the application is not lodged in a non-EU country, it will have to be made by the applicant's employer, MEPs say. The Parliament is dealing with the draft legislation under the co-decision procedure with the Council of Ministers. (B.C./transl.rt)