Mon, 15 March 2010
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If you are an expat, there are a handful of suitable jobs and an awful lot of job-seekers. But it can be done. Here's a guide to finding employment in Belgium.Before working in Belgium, and especially if you are a non-EU national, make sure your work permits and residence papers are in order.
Brussels, being the seat of the European Union and European Parliament, can be a big pull-factor for expatriates.
Although advertisements for jobs within these institutions do appear from time to time, you will more often than not have to pass a series of examinations in order to become listed on their reserve list of possible employees. This procedure takes about a year and a job is not guaranteed at the end of it.
Where to Look
Finding work depends very much on your language abilities in this multi-lingual country. If you are happy to work in French or Dutch (or preferably both in Brussels), then the national newspapers Le Soir and Het Laatse Nieuws are excellent places to start.Work Permits for non-EU nationals
Type B: This type is the more usual one and is valid for one specified employer for a renewable period of one year. If you change jobs your permit is invalidated. To obtain this type of work permit your potential employer must apply for an employment authorisation from the regional employment office. Once this is issued you are automatically eligible for the type B permit. A medical certificate may be required.Starting Work
Dear editor
I am a Belgium national but with foreign origin. I have two diplomas from Flemish universities with very good points but I am jobless since many years. This is inspite of speaking fairely good level of Dutch. Except for me all my Belgian ex-classmates have jobs since then. So obtaining a job in Belgium is not dependent on skill but on type of person, perhaps on his color and last but not least how much he/she is lucky in Belgium.This is very different in US, UK and Canada. Perhaps you should have mentioned this criteria in your text at least indirectly.
Thanks
Hello,
I agree with Mr. Mukund. I have studied in Belgium (PhD) and I have high experience in an Eastern European Country. Unfortunately I couldn't find a job...may be to wash the dishes. In conclusion I will leave Belgium. I have also African friends that want to immigrate to Canada, SUA because of the same problem. So, take care...you, the next!
Hi,
I agree with you as well. As a foreigner who has the Belgian nationality and a PhD in Agriculture, I've also been looking for a job in Belgium for almost one year now. Unfortunately, no result so far!!!
Hi,
I am a foreigner seeking for a job in Belgium after all these comments about joblessness in Belgium a must declare i fell very dissapointed . My daughter is a Belgian and i have a masters degree . I thought with my trilingual language skill couple will my masters degree i will suceed in getting a good job . I am willing to reallocate asap to join the father of my daughter. Dont know what destiny awaits me .
Dear Anne
Although you didn't mention what master you have and languages you speak, but if they are Dutch, English and French, I believe you will soon succeed to find a job here in Belgium.
This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes how to write a CV, application procedure, interview dos and don'ts, Belgian management culture.
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