Economic migration and free movement
The information on this page is not entirely up to date. We're working on an update.
Since 1 July 2014, according to the 6th state reform, regions are the main force behind economic migration policy. They oversee the regulation, implementation process, evaluation, and issuing of type A and B work permits in addition to business cards.
Which responsibilities remain federal? Everything concerning residence for working migrants is in the hands of the federal authorities. They are also responsible for work permit regulation around certain residential circumstances (this mostly concerns type C work permits).
Work Permits for Third Country Nationals
Third country nationals seeking salaried professions in Belgium must request a work permit:
- The Type A Work Permit lasts an unlimited time and is valid for all salaried jobs. A type A permit can only be obtained after having worked for several years with a type B permit.
- The Type B Work Permit lasts a maximum of 12 months and is only valid for a specific employer. Employers may hire the worker before they arrive in Belgium. In this circumstance, the right to work facilitates the right to residence.
- The Type C Work Permit is valid for a maximum of 12 months and is not limited to a specific employer. Requests are to be made in Belgium. In the case of this work permit, the right to residence (for example as an asylum seeker) facilitates the right to work.
Publication
Universal Periodic Review: Parallel report
Parallel report of Myria, Unia and the Combat Poverty, Insecurity and Social Exclusion Service, on the 52nd session of the Universal Periodic Review.
Publication
2024 Annual report Trafficking and smuggling of human beings
This annual report, entitled ‘Latin American sex work: a high-risk carousel’, particularly draws attention to the phenomenon of Latin American sex work and calls for the fight against trafficking to be adapted to the new realities of the digital world. These realities are leading to the creation of new, subtle forms of exploitation that require properly adapted investigative resources. Myria is also calling for stronger international collaboration and awareness-raising among the players concerned
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Publication
Gaza Strip: Belgian assistance, evacuations and visa applications
Myria continues to receive reports from Palestinians and Belgians who are deeply concerned about the fate of their relatives trapped in extremely dangerous conditions in Gaza.
Publication
2023 Annual report trafficking and smuggling of human beings
Myria is publishing the English version of its 2023 evaluation report, entitled ‘A chain of responsibilities’. With a focus on human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation, Myria is calling for more proactive checks and a thorough chain approach.
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Publication
Human rights also apply to single men seeking asylum
8 human rights organisations condemn the decision to temporarily exclude single men from the right to reception within the framework of the asylum procedure.
Publication
2022 Annual report trafficking and smuggling of human beings
Myria, the independent national rapporteur on trafficking in human beings, is publishing its 2022 public and independent annual report in English entitled Bound by debt.