Belgium to Implement New Changes to Work Permit Regulations From October 1

Authorities in Belgium will implement new changes to work permit regulations in the Brussels Capital Region starting next month.

The new rules mean that from October 1, new rules will be applied when it comes to minimum salary thresholds calculation for certain work permits, Schengen.News reports.

Emphasising that only the basic monthly remuneration will be considered, authorities in Belgium announced that the threshold will be based on a percentage of the average gross monthly salary in the Brussels Capital Region (EUR 4,604, or about US$5,075). The gross amount per month will be:
• Highly skilled single permit: EUR 3,591.12 (78 per cent of the average)
• EU Blue Card: EUR 4,604 (100 per cent of the average)
• Intra-company transfer (manager): EUR 5,294.60 (115 per cent of the average)

Internationals with five years of professional experience in a specific field may now qualify for an EU Blue Card. Previously, applicants required relevant academic experience.

Information and communication technology professionals with at least three years of work experience in the last seven years are also eligible for the EU Blue Card and do not require higher work qualifications.

Persons obtaining an EU Blue Card will also be eligible to change employers within the first 12 months of employment, the National Law Review explains.

As part of the new changes, the government is changing the name of work permit B to a short-term work authorisation or a long-term work authorisation.

Besides, employers will no longer be required to send documents for an annual compliance notification if a work authorisation is granted for over a year. 

Unlimited work authorisation will be granted for employees residing in Belgium for 30 months without interruption, provided they can prove 30 months of employment through a single work permit or work authorisation obtained in the Brussels Capital Region.

The new changes will take effect on October 1 and will apply to non-European nationals working in the Brussels Capital Region.
In addition to the changes mentioned above, authorities in the Brussels Region will also introduce significant new changes to the immigration policy that will affect international workers as well as their employers.
• Exemptions from Labor Market Testing
• Simplified change of employer rules
• New professional experience pathways for EU Blue Card Holders
• More transparent criteria for self-employed workers
The new changes that will take effect in October have been introduced to streamline the process of hiring international talent.

Source : https://schengen.news/belgium-to-implement-new-changes-to-work-permit-regulations-from-october-1/