But the new rules need to be approved by the European Council before they come into effect.

It is part of efforts to promote legal migration of people from developing countries to the bloc for work purposes and to address the current labour shortages.

A majority of the Parliament members backed the new decision, introducing several changes aimed at enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of the Single Permit system.

They include faster decisions on applications, the possibility of changing the employer, and extended stay for unemployed permit holders.

One of the most important changes is that the member states would be obliged to process the permit applications within a strict 90-day deadline, reducing the waiting time for a decision from the current four months.

But an additional 30-day extension may be granted when more complex applications come in.

Developing countries’ nationals who already hold valid residence permits would be able to apply for a permit within the territory of the EU, eliminating the need for them to return to their home countries just to fulfil the application procedures.

Moreover, it would also them to gain the right to change their employer, occupation, and work sector. “This will be possible with a simple notification from the new employer,” it said.

The EU member states would have the possibility to impose a six-month restriction during which the foreign workers would not be allowed to change their employer.