Updated list of bottleneck occupations in Wallonia: solution to labour shortages?

While some sectors have a labour surplus, others face structural shortages. Foreign workers can be hired to fill these shortages. To simplify recruitment, the government uses a procedure via the ‘single permit’. You can find eligible jobs on the list of bottleneck occupations.

What are “bottleneck functions”?

 Bottleneck functions are occupations in which there is a shortage of employees with the right qualifications in the labour market. In other words, they are jobs in which there are more vacancies than available workers.

What lists exist?

 The best-known list comes from the VDAB. It is drawn up taking into account local needs and labour market conditions. However, specific lists exist in the context of employing non-European workers. These lists do not quite correspond to those of the VDAB.

Only the bottleneck professions that appear on the lists approved by ministerial decree can receive a combined permit. The combined permit is granted regionally. The lists differ by Region.

New list for Wallonia from October 2023

 In order to keep the bottleneck functions in line with new trends, growing sectors and changes in the labour market, the lists of bottleneck professions are regularly updated.

The most recent update of the list of bottleneck occupations is that of Wallonia and is effective from 1 October 2023.

For questions on recruitment for bottleneck functions and the single permit procedure, please contact our specialists.