MEPs endorsed at the Civil Liberties Committee the draft legislation which intends to tackle exploitation, while preventing temporary stays from becoming permanent of seasonal workers. In particular, these workers would enjoy basic working and living conditions, such as a minimum wage and decent accommodation.

The Civil Liberties Committee from the European Parliament endorsed the new rules that are the first on seasonal employment at EU level. They will not affect Member States’ right to determine admission volumes or reject applications if workers could be hired locally to do the job, but improve the working conditions and social rights of seasonal workers. This Commitee also backed the Single permit Directive in February 2011.

Particularly, within the new legislation an application to obtain a “seasonal worker permit” should include a work contract or a binding job offer specifying essential aspects, such as pay and working hours. It should also include evidence that the worker will benefit from adequate accommodation. Rent should not be excessive or automatically deducted from a worker's wage. Furthermore, a seasonal worker permit will ensure minimum working conditions and social rights, for example related to pay or safety.

The draft legislation backed by the Civil Liberties Committee amends the Commission proposal so that a 6 month limit would apply over a 12 month period, instead of within a calendar year, to accommodate winter seasonal workers. MEPs also highlight that the new rules aim at promoting non-EU workers’ movement between a third country and the EU for temporary stay and work. This would be done either through a multi-season permit covering up to three consecutive years or by simplifying procedures for returning applicants.