← All belgium news

Belgium plans stricter labour-migration controls and easier access through the Blue Card

Published: 13.05.2026

The government approved a draft reform targeting abuse of labour migration, including forged documents and shell companies. The draft would give the Immigration Office broader powers to reject suspicious applications while making the European Blue Card more attractive for highly qualified non-EU workers through processing of up to 90 days, simpler family reunification, and easier EU mobility.

According to the source, the draft combines stricter checks on employers and documents with a faster route for highly qualified workers. For other labour applicants, the authenticity of documents, the reality of the employer, and the match between the declared job and actual stay will become more important. For highly qualified professionals, the Blue Card could become a more predictable relocation route, particularly for family reunification and EU mobility. Both applicants and employers should follow this closely, while recognising that the reported measures are still a draft.