Top 15 Jobs Most Likely to Secure a Work Visa in Belgium for 2024
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Belgium is experiencing labor shortages in over 180 occupations nationwide.
2. Affected sectors include engineering, manufacturing, food and hospitality, construction, healthcare, and IT.
3. As of May 1, Belgium has implemented stricter rules for overseas workers.
A recent report by the European Labour Authority indicates that Belgium is among the top six EU countries with the highest number of shortage occupations. Specifically, the report identifies 186 professions facing shortages across the country. Sectors such as engineering, manufacturing, construction, food and hospitality, healthcare, IT, finance, and skilled trades are particularly affected.
This labor shortage situation benefits professional workers from overseas, increasing their chances of securing employment and a work visa if they fall into any of the in-demand roles.
According to the 2023 EURES report on shortages and surpluses, professions facing labor shortages in Belgium include:
- Civil engineers
- Civil engineering laborers
- Machine operators
- Professional drivers
- Food and hospitality workers
- Electricians
- Mechanics and repairers
- Welders and flame cutters
- Accountants
- Nursing professionals
- Health professionals not elsewhere classified
- Construction managers and supervisors
- Building construction laborers
- Applications programmers
- Software developers
These are just a few examples from the full list of 186 shortage occupations identified in Belgium by the EURES report.
Most Shortage Occupations Are Regional
Belgium stands out as the only EU country where more occupations are categorized as regional rather than national shortages. For instance, waiters are considered a shortage in Flanders and the Brussels Capital Region but a surplus in Wallonia.
Roles such as science and engineering associate professionals, business and administration associate professionals, and building and related trades workers are mainly identified as national shortages. However, most other shortage occupations are regional.
Belgium Introduced Stricter Rules for Foreign Workers
Starting May 1, Belgium has enforced new regulations for foreign workers. Despite the labor shortages, Belgium has tightened rules regarding the Shortage Occupation list and labor market procedures. Employers hiring for in-demand medium-skilled jobs must demonstrate that candidates have the necessary experience and qualifications.
Additionally, Belgium has revised the labor test procedure, requiring job vacancies to be published for at least nine weeks within the four months preceding the application.
Conversely, Belgium has relaxed educational requirements for EU Blue Card holders and introduced additional work permit exemptions. These measures aim to streamline the immigration process while ensuring effective utilization of the labor force in the Flanders Region.