Seasonal workers from outside the EU will be entitled to better working and living conditions, including proper accommodation and a limit on working hours, under a law passed by the EU Parliament on 5 February 2014, aimed at ending exploitation and to prevent temporary stays becoming permanent. Member States will be required to fix a maximum length of stay for non-EU seasonal workers, of between 5 and 9 months over a 12-month period. Any application to enter the EU as a seasonal worker will have to include a work contract or a binding job offer specifying essentials such as pay and working hours as well as evidence that the worker will have appropriate accommodation. Non-EU seasonal workers will have the same rights as EU nationals as regards minimum working age, pay, dismissal, working hours, holidays, and health and safety requirements. Member states will have two and a half years to put the new rules into effect.

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