The immigration regulations in the Flanders Region of Belgium have been amended by the authorities, focusing on foreign workers. The upcoming policies, scheduled to take effect on May 1, 2024, introduce more exemptions for work permits, tighten regulations for certain occupations, and relax educational criteria for EU Blue Card holders, according to SchengenVisaInfo. Additionally, as reported by the Economic Times (NRI), the new rules will prioritize Belgian and European workers, allowing foreign nationals to join the workforce only after comprehensive assessments of local and regional labor markets.

The recent updates to immigration policy involve expanding exemptions for work permits. Specifically, starting May 1, certain activities that currently require a work permit will now fall under the category of business visitors. These activities encompass participation in conferences, seminars, business meetings, trade fairs, and exhibitions, as well as negotiation of business agreements, involvement in sales and marketing, conducting audits, exploring business opportunities, attending or leading training sessions, engaging in tourism-related activities, and providing translation and interpretation services.

Additionally, employers must ensure that their employees do not exceed a stay of 90 days within any 180-day period in Belgium. Employers aiming to recruit individuals for sought-after medium-skilled positions must provide evidence of the applicant's experience and qualifications. Subsequently, regional authorities will assess this documentation, potentially lengthening the internal administrative process.

Moreover, stricter criteria regarding the labor test procedure are anticipated to be implemented by the government. According to the new regulations, job vacancies must be advertised for a minimum of nine weeks within a four-month period preceding the application. These positions must be listed on both the EURES and VDAB websites, with only vacancies recognized by VDAB as shortage jobs being accepted by the authorities.

Conversely, certain categories of EU Blue Card holders are expected to benefit from relaxed regulations. For instance, individuals in managerial or specialist IT occupations applying for the EU Blue Card can substitute academic qualifications with a minimum of three years of relevant work experience acquired in the past seven years. This adjustment aims to address shortages within the IT sector.

Furthermore, EU Blue Card holders will experience simplified procedures for changing employers, with only notification to the Regional Employment Ministry required within the first 12 months.

The EU Blue Card now necessitates a salary threshold set at 130% of the average income, equivalent to a yearly taxable wage of EUR 60,621 for 2024.

Belgium has also implemented other minor adjustments, including streamlined regulations for seasonal workers, as reported by NRI. Allegedly, these updated policies seek to streamline the immigration process while ensuring efficient utilization of the labor force in the Flanders Region of Belgium.