establishes a simpler entry procedure for the admission of non-EU seasonal workers based on common definitions and criteria, such as the existence of a work contract or a binding job offer that specifies a salary;

sets a standard seasonal work time limit throughout the EU (6 months per calendar year);

provides for a multi-seasonal permit for three years or a facilitated re-entry procedure in subsequent seasons;

defines legal provisions applicable to working conditions of seasonal workers;

entitles seasonal workers to equal treatment with nationals of the Member States in determined fields (freedom of association and affiliation, social security schemes, income-related acquired statutory pensions, access to goods and services, etc);

leaves EU Member States free to apply a labour market test and to decide how many seasonal workers they admit; the proposal does not create a right to admission.