Brussels, 21/11/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 20 November, the European Parliament backed a proposal to institute a single application procedure for residence/work permits and gave assurances on rights for legal migrants from non-EU countries. “The vote asserts the principle that legal migrants should enjoy equal treatment with European citizens and gives them a common base of socio-economic rights,” said rapporteur Patrick Gaubert (EPP-ED, France) in a press release. The draft directive, which is still under discussion in Council, complements the “blue card” plan which was adopted on the same day (see EUROPE 9787). The aim of putting in place a single procedure and a single residence and work permit is to reduce red tape and simplify the administrative steps for immigrants wanting to work in the EU. It will also make it easier for the administration and employers to check permits. Third country nationals will be assured of equal treatment in a number of areas, making it easier for them to integrate into society and, so, improving social cohesion. The text does not cover seasonal workers, for whom a specific directive will be brought forward in March 2009. MEPs rejected an amendment which would have allowed member states to require migrants to prove that they had an adequate knowledge of the language for access to education or training. It was decided that each member state should be able to determine how long permits should be valid, and the directive will not affect states' rights on admission of foreigners to their jobs market. MEPs called on member states to ratify the United Nations International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. (B.C./transl.rt)