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
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.
Publication
2021 Annual report trafficking and smuggling of human beings
Myria, the Federal Migration Centre and independent national rapporteur on trafficking in human beings, is publishing its 2021 public and independent annual report in English today: Visibly invisible. Aimed at the Government and Parliament, this report provides an impetus and offers support to the relevant stakeholders.
Publication
Moving to Belgium as an EU citizen
Myria presents the study 'Moving to Belgium as an EU citizen' to the general public. The study points out a number of shortcomings in the registration formalities of EU citizens in the municipality. It contains recommendations to guarantee the free movement of EU workers, self-employed persons and jobseekers and their families.
Publication
2020 Annual report trafficking and smuggling of human beings
In its annual report entitled Behind closed doors Myria hightlights the need to raise awareness on the exploitation of domestic workers, the special attention that needs to be paid to diplomatic domestic staff and the COVID-19 aspect.
Publication
Myriadoc 10: Belgium, on the road to the United Kingdom
In this publication, Myria focusses on transit migration, and specifically on transit migrants who want to get to the United Kingdom.
Publication
2019 Annual report trafficking and smuggling of human beings
Justice for human trafficking victims has a long way to go. With its annual report, Myria wants to contribute to their empowerment and has put together concrete recommendations for the attention of public authorities.