Strict Supervision and Restrictions in 27 Professions

A brake on foreign labor: New rules in effect in Flanders

The new decision in Flanders, Belgium, will significantly make it more difficult for workers from outside the European Union to find employment in certain occupational groups. According to the new regulation prepared by Flanders Labor Minister Zuhal Demir, some jobs that were previously classified as "knelpuntberoep" or "occupations with a labor shortage" have now been removed from this status. This change will have a direct impact, especially on workers from countries such as Turkey, Morocco, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It also brings new challenges to employers in Belgium in the hiring process.

Why Was This Decision Made?

According to Minister Zuhal Demir, there are two main reasons behind this step: 1. System abuses: It was found that most people given work permits are often employed in jobs outside their primary profession. For example, someone who comes in as a “grocer” works at a kebab shop; someone brought in as a “driver” carries goods. 2. Internal workforce potential: There are approximately 200,000 job seekers in the Flanders region. The government advocates for more active use of this potential. The goal is to guide unemployed people into working in these professions by retraining and encouraging them to do so.

Reaction from Employers: “This Decision Is Not Realistic”

Some sectors in Belgium — especially transport, logistics, food production and construction — are reacting to this decision. Bus companies, for example, say that they currently have a shortage of 600 drivers and that this need cannot be met with domestic labor. The FBAA (Belgian Bus and Truck Association) states that this decision will put both public transport and the logistics sector in difficulty. On the other hand, some companies are concerned that the new system will bring bureaucratic burdens and make it even more difficult to find labor. Now, every employer must submit more documents, provide more detailed explanations, and be open to inspections to hire foreign workers.

Coming from Turkey is now even more difficult

For those who want to come to Belgium from Turkey to find work, this decision means new obstacles. Entry into areas traditionally open to migrant workers such as bakery, butcher, chauffeur, and construction will be restricted. It will no longer be enough to simply say “I can do this job”: - Proof that the company actually has an open position in this area, - The employee proving their qualification with documents, - It will be necessary to ensure that it is operated in accordance with the nature of the work. This will both prolong the application process and open the way for more skilled and technical professions with immigrant workers.

A New Era Has Begun in 27 Professions

As a result, with these changes a total of 27 professions were redefined: - 11 professions were removed from the list (restriction came into effect) - 5 new professions were added to the list (priority was given) - The remaining 13 occupational statuses are preserved This arrangement clearly shows that Belgium has adopted a more selective and controlled approach to labor migration.

Final Word: More Strict Rules, More Supervision

The new system brings more responsibility for job seekers and employers. From now on, the process for those who want to come to Belgium as migrant workers will be longer, more detailed, and more rigorous. For employers, the 'easy job finding period' may be coming to an end. Time will tell how this change will shape business life in the short term and migration policies in the long term.

So what do you think?

Is this decision the right step to reduce domestic unemployment? Otherwise, will some sectors in Belgium be even more challenged because of this? Share your thoughts in the comments!

11 Professions that were removed:

• Truck driver
• Bus and tour bus driver
• Water plumber
• Kasap
• Baker
• Basic drilling machine operator
• Elevator installer
• Tile craftsman
• Roof-tiler
• Plumber and plumbing installer
• Rough construction worker

5 New Professions Added:

• Asbestos cleaner
• Data communication network installer (fiber optic technician)
• Chemical production plant operator
• Industrial cooling systems technician
• Industrial facility maintenance technician