Immigration news updates for the EMEA region
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Belgium: Changes to immigration policy in the Flanders region
Starting from May 1, 2024, the Flanders Region in Belgium will implement modifications to its foreign workers immigration regulations. These changes will prioritize Belgian and European employees, allowing the entry of non-EU nationals into the workforce only after a thorough assessment of the local and regional labour markets.
Significant modifications will be applied to work permit exemptions, limitations on the Shortage Occupation and Labour Market testing framework with eased educational qualification criteria for EU Blue Card holders in intra-company transferees.
A pivotal element of the modifications revolves around the expansion of exemptions for work permits. This will enable various business activities to be undertaken under a business visitor status, eliminating the necessity for a work permit.
Employers must monitor the duration of their employees’ stay in Belgium, ensuring adherence to the stipulated regulation of not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.
This summary was prepared using information from our local service partner.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Sabrina Crespo (Team Leader, EMEA).
Ireland: Stamp 4 application rules relaxed
Starting from April 3, 2024, Ireland will continue to allow people who have accomplished 21 months of work under the Critical Skills Employment Permit to submit an application for a „Stamp 4“ authorization irrespective of the date they registered their Stamp 1 permission with the Department of Justice. Furthermore, individuals residing in Ireland on the basis of a Hosting Agreement as a Researcher or holding a Multi-site General Employment Permit as a Non-Consultant Hospital doctor, can also now request a Stamp 4 authorization upon completion of 21 months of employment. Moreover, holders of a General Employment Permit can now apply for a Stamp 4 authorization after finishing 57 months of work. The relaxation of this prerequisite decreases the likelihood that prospective Stamp 4 applications will require a second permit or hosting agreement in order to fulfil the 21-month eligibility period.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Department of Justice
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Joanna Sogeke (Team Leader, EMEA).
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