New migration policy in Wallonia: what entrepreneurs need to know

After the recent changes to migration policy in Flanders, Wallonia is now following suit with adjustments aimed at making the region more attractive to foreign workers. These changes seek to address the acute shortage of skilled labour. They will enter into force on 1 September 2024. We explain the key amendments.  

Main adjustments to the award criteria 

For temporary single permits, the award criteria have been adjusted: 

• Highly skilled young people (under 30 years old): the salary threshold is reduced to EUR 40,248 per year or EUR 2,891.38 per month (80% of the original threshold). 

• European Blue Card: holders of a diploma dating back less than three years are now subject to the same reduced salary threshold of EUR 40,248 per year or EUR 2,891.38 per month. 

New exemptions and access to the Belgian labour market 

The regulations introduce new exemptions and offer several ways to justify that the local labour market cannot meet the demand for workers: 

• Bottleneck occupations: if a position appears on the list of bottleneck occupations, a foreign worker can be recruited more quickly. 

• FOREM testimonials: in case of an unfilled vacancy for at least five weeks. 

• Unsuccessful candidate search through FOREM: if active search attempts do not produce a suitable candidate, this can also enable admission. 

Adjustments in contracts and work permits 

• Mandatory wording in contracts 

• Short stay: the definition of a short stay is now similar to that of other government bodies, i.e. 90 days within a 180-day period. 

• Work permits: when a permit is being extended, the extension is implicitly granted after 30 days, with a provisional work permit if the application is submitted within the deadline. 

These are just the main changes. Our specialists are happy to advise you on the impact of all the changes on your operations. Please feel free to contact us.