Efforts to agree to a single permit regulation to govern legal immigration continue after members of the European Parliament (MEPs) struggled to reach a consensus.

A series of amendments to the proposed legislation were passed by MEPs, but a number of politicians opted not to vote it through after the changes had been made.

The plans were rejected by 350 individuals, with 25 abstentions and 306 yes votes and the European Parliament will now continue to look at ways of ensuring legal migrants have access to European Union (EU) residence and work permits.

Aimed at ensuring those entering EU nations are able to access the same labor rights as citizens of the region, the draft legislation will now return to the employment and civil liberties committees for further consideration.

The proposed directive is also intended to assist in meeting EU labor market needs, particularly with regard to highly-skilled immigrants, by implementing a single process for applicants.

Under current rules, the 27 EU member states have different immigration systems for foreign workers.

Posted by Alex Donnell