Many businesses in Belgium are facing a tough time filling job openings, especially in certain sectors, which is slowing down economic growth. At the same time, many undocumented migrants are ready to work in these jobs if the laws are changed.
A legal group is asking for a new rule that would let undocumented migrants fill in-demand positions to help the Belgian economy. The Bar of French- and German-speaking lawyers in Belgium (avocat.be) has sent an open letter to the Walloon and Flemish governments and negotiators for the Federal and Brussels governments. They are calling for a “migratory ruling” that would allow these migrants to take jobs in areas where there is a high demand for workers.
The letter points out that effective economic management means using all available human resources to fill roles in sectors struggling with staff shortages. For example, companies in construction are turning down projects because they do not have enough workers, which creates delays and hinders economic progress. Some cafés and restaurants have even cut their opening hours for the same reason. The healthcare sector in Belgium is also facing challenges in providing effective treatment due to a limited workforce.
Stéphane Gothot, the president of the Bar, says that previous governments have committed to training unemployed people, but this approach has its limits. “It is far from providing all the jobs in demand,” he stated.
Many undocumented migrants in Belgium have the skills and qualifications that are needed. Gothot explained, “In a world where competition is fierce and Europe is not leading, all resources should be put to good use.”
Avocat.be often hears from employers who have found a candidate with the right skills but lack the legal papers to work. In these situations, these individuals must return to their home country to apply for permission from the Belgian embassy before being allowed to take the job. This process is lengthy and uncertain, as there is no guarantee they can return to Belgium or get the job.
To address this issue, Avocat.be proposes a “decision in advance.” This would allow an employer interested in hiring a migrant without legal status to check the tax conditions from the Finance Ministry beforehand. Once the conditions are clear, the migrant would still have to apply for permission in their home country but would feel more secure about the process since everyone would be committed to following through.
Gothot noted that such a migratory ruling would help meet labor needs, reduce illegal immigration, and allow for tax and social contributions from these new legal jobs.
Business organizations support this idea due to the need to grow Belgium’s workforce. The Walloon Business Union (UWE) stated, “Economic immigration remains largely under-exploited in Wallonia as a solution to labor shortages.” The Belgian Business Union (FEB) added that Belgium needs to be seen as an attractive host country by speeding up the recognition of qualifications and diplomas.
However, State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor (CD&V) opposes this proposal, arguing it would encourage more undocumented migrants to enter the country instead of taking safe and legal routes.