The EU adopted a directive on seasonal workers

The European Union adopted in February 2014 a directive on the conditions of entry and stay of third-country nationals for the purpose of seasonal work. Member states will incorporate the directive into their legal codes within two and a half years after its publication in the EU Official Journal.

The directive sets fair and transparent rules for entry and stay of seasonal workers, non-EU citizens, and common rights to which seasonal workers are entitled during their stay in the EU in order to avoid their economic and social exploitation. Member states will still have the right to determine the volumes of admission and the possibility to reject applications if EU workers are available. The directive covers mainly low skilled migrants and stays not exceeding three months.

The employers welcome the flexibility the directive offers to companies in taking advantage of seasonal workers.

The EU directive:

http://register.consilium.europa.eu/doc/srv?l=EN&t=PDF&gc=true&sc=false&f=PE%20113%202013%20INIT

Marta Blízková International Organizations and the EU