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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The regional government of Flanders has drafted legislation that introduces its own work permit system for non-EEA nationals.
What does the change mean? The change breaks with previous practice in which Belgium’s three leading economic regions—Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia—adhered to uniform requirements on employing non-EEA workers.
Key provisions of the proposed regional Flemish work permits:
Background: Regional authorities have in recent years sought to expand their authority over work permits for non-EEA workers to align immigration policies with their regional economic needs. A 2013 law shifted authority from the federal government to local regions to manage non-EEA nationals’ access to their regional labor markets and introduce their own work permit procedures.
Analysis & Comments: The proposal is undergoing review by the regional council and, if it is approved, employers can anticipate the Flemish work permit system taking effect as early as November. The introduction of a regional system with its own criteria and rules may complicate procedures for companies that assign non-EEA workers across the country’s various regions. The move toward a single work-and-residence permit and a longer three-year duration of work permits are welcome changes for companies in Flanders.
Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.
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