In many economic sectors in Belgium, the labor shortage has become a serious problem. 200.000 positions are vacant in Belgium, mainly in Flanders. In Wallonia, there are currently 158 positions affected by a lack of candidates, which is 17 more than last year. Among this list, 92 professions are in shortage.

In this context, Walloon Minister-President Elio Di Rupo and Walloon Employment Minister Christie Morreale have sent a letter to the Prime Minister. In the letter, they state that it would be desirable that "federal regulations evolve in order to allow these people - applicants for international protection and undocumented persons - to ask the Regions for a work permit. This question could initially be usefully debated in an Interministerial Conference".

Concretely they want non-EU foreigners who stay in Belgium with a temporary residence permit or without a valid residence permit to be able to access the single permit. Currently, among people benefiting from a temporary residence permit, only students and researchers are authorized to apply for a single permit. Applicants for international protection as well as undocumented people are excluded.

For further information, please read this press release in French or this one in English.