The law transposes the Directive 2009/52/EC (Sanctions Directive). The Sanctions Directive fits into the overall objective of the EU to combat illegal migration and to encourage legal migration.

The law of 11 February 2013 introduces a ban on the employment of undocumented migrants and the rights of illegally staying workers are better protected. The new law provides that certain organizations and that the illegal workers themselves can institute legal procedures. The law also imposes certain obligations on employers who must verify whether the employee has a valid residence permit. An employer who employs undocumented immigrants is risking financial and criminal penalties.

The law can be consulted here in Dutch and in French.