How do you file a complaint?
Regional labour inspectorate If you are a non-European citizen and you already have a work permit, type B (blue card), then the regional labour inspectorate of the region where you reside (Flanders, Brussels or Wallonia) is the office authorised to check compliance with the terms of your placement. You will find contact details for the […]
Medical expenses & insurance
An au pair must never pay for these expenses themselves. All medical expenses must be paid for by the host family, including advance payments. Many insurers work on the basis of a reimbursement system. In this case, the host family must advance the costs and later submit a declaration to the insurer to have these […]
Help for young adults
Flanders & Brussels (Dutch language) In Flanders and Brussels, you can go to the JAC (young person’s advice centre) of the CAW. You can visit the JAC-CAW for: Meet-ups: The JAC organises several meet-ups with young people at numerous locations in Flanders and Brussels where you can simply pop in for a chat. Information & […]
What if I am the victim of violence or abuse?
General rules You have the right to refuse sexual advances you find unpleasant: touching, making remarks or someone undressing in front of you. All these situations are considered sexual abuse or ‘sexual harassment’. Rape is a serious crime and one for which the perpetrator should be ashamed. There are laws in Belgium that prohibit discrimination: […]
Extra information about your employment rights
Additional information If you need additional information about: Accidents at work Working off the books Medical help for for people without legal residence Human trafficking Filing a complaint Evidence Pregnancy Make sure you don’t forget to consult our general section about your rights. You will find information about this and other matters in this section.
I haven’t been paid.
You have the same employment rights as any other employee in Belgium even if you are working off the books or are without legal residence. Your employer is obliged to pay you the wages you are legally entitled to. You can find out exactly what ‘wages’ (or salary) means in Belgium on this page. Find […]
What are my employment rights?
This website explains your primary employment rights, such as: wages in the case of an accident at work, on dismissal during pregnancy, or illness, if you are the victim of violence… If you would rather have a list of these rights in a leaflet, you can view themhere. If you would like to know how […]
Can I arrange my residence through work?
Neither as an employee nor as a self-employed person. There are no exceptions. The only way to obtain residence is to follow the correct procedure before you arrive in Belgium. If necessary, you can return to your country of origin or a country where you have legal residence and start the procedure from there. You’ll […]
Am I allowed to work in Belgium?
If you have legal residence in Belgium, but you’re not sure if you’re allowed to work, you can find out more here. If you haven’t yet arrived in Belgium, but you would like to come to Belgium to work, you’ll find the terms and conditions here. If you are in Belgium but you have no […]
I have had an accident at work. What happens now?
General rules An employer must create a safe and healthy working environment. They must provide you with protective clothing if the work is dangerous. If you have an accident at your work, or on the way to or from work, this is deemed an accident at work. Even if the accident was your own fault […]
