Council adopts directive on third-country seasonal workers
February 17, 2014
The Council adopted today without discussion a directive on the conditions of entry and stay of third-country nationals for the purpose of seasonal work (PE-COS 113/13).
Member states will need to transpose the directive within two and a half years after publication in the Official Journal.The directive as agreed sets out fair and transparent rules for entry and stay of seasonal workers who are not EU citizens. It also lays down a common set of rights to which seasonal workers are entitled to during their stay in the EU in order to avoid their economic and social exploitation. At the same time, it provides for incentives and safe guards to prevent temporary stays from becoming permanent. Member states will keep the right to determine the volumes of admission and will have the possibility to reject applications if EU workers are available.