Labour Migration to Belgium Declines as EU Posting Rules Reshape Workforce
Labour migration to Belgium is slowing, with fewer foreign workers being sent to the country from other EU states, reports 24brussels.
In 2024, 205,000 individuals worked in Belgium under EU “posting” rules, marking a nearly 25% decrease from the 2017 peak of 267,000. This framework allows workers from EU member states, such as a Portuguese construction worker, to temporarily operate on Belgian sites while remaining covered by their home country’s social security.
Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in “double postings.” This refers to non-EU workers first employed in another EU nation before being sent to Belgium. Approximately 50,000 individuals from countries including Ukraine, Brazil, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and India worked in Belgium under this arrangement in 2024, reflecting a 10% rise over the past two years.
Additional metrics also indicate a downward trend in labour migration. The issuance of long-stay work visas decreased by 9% last year, with just over 8,000 granted, while the total number of new work residence permits remained stagnant at around 39,000.
These developments highlight the changing dynamics of labour migration within Belgium, as both EU and non-EU workers navigate evolving regulations. The implications of this slowdown for the Belgian economy and specific sectors reliant on foreign labour are yet to be fully assessed. Policymakers may need to evaluate the effectiveness of current migration policies and consider adjustments to support workforce demands in key industries.
The situation is compounded by the ongoing geopolitical challenges posed by events in Ukraine and other global contexts, which may affect migration patterns moving forward. Observers note that Belgium’s ability to adapt to these changes will be crucial in maintaining its economic stability.
As the government seeks to manage these shifts, the emphasis will likely be on balancing the need for a skilled workforce with the complexities of international labour laws and bilateral agreements.
Illustration picture shows a construction worker in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO BERNAL REVERT