Region of Wallonia in Belgium is attempting to convince the Belgian government that it is necessary to regularise undocumented migrants as well as asylum seekers thus helping deal with labour shortages with which the region is dealing.
In July this year, the Forem (Walloon Office for Vocational Training and Employment) published 158 critical functions in Wallonia, of which a total of 92 professions are considered to be “in short supply”.
According to the figures from the Forem, construction remains the most affected industry, followed by other sectors including tourism.
“This year again, la Constr. remains the most affected area. In addition, the wholesale and finishing trades will be particularly sought after. Tile setters, installers, masons, electricians, ceiling fitters, machine operators, roofers… More than forty other professions are particularly sought after by Belgian recruiting companies,” the report reads.
Therefore, as part of efforts to tackle the labour shortages, Wallonia aims to regularise undocumented migrants and those seeking asylum capable of reaching this region, involved in different fields such as construction, logistic, butchery, catering, welding, accounting, IT development, among others, according to Le Monde.
Earlier this year, the European Union called on Belgium to grant jobseekers from the EU the right to stay in this country for a reasonable period of time, in order to look for a job, or for a period of six months.
In July this year, Elio Di Rupo, the region’s minister-president, and Christie Morreale, the employment minister, addressed a letter to Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. At the end of August, the contents of the letter were leaked after the response they were waiting for was not received.
According to a report from the European Commission, employment has increased in Wallonia for several years. In addition to that, the COVID-19 situation has significantly affected the region, and the whole of Belgium as well.
In Wallonia, at the end of March 2021, there were a total of 202,978 jobseekers, up by three per cent in 2019, and yet down by 0.2 per cent at the end of March 2020.
The tightening of the rules in Belgium are making it increasingly challenging for foreigners to stay in the country. Recently, authorities in Belgium decided to suspend the provision of shelter for single men asylum seekers.
The decision was announced on August 29 and was introduced by Belgian State Secretary for Asylum and Migration Nicole de Moor, following the ongoing reception crisis. However, it faced criticism and legal challenges.
