Go back

4 out of 10 Belgian employers employs employees internationally in our country

06 October 2020 Employers
Christophe Hameeuw
Reading time: Read later?

What is stopping employers from employing foreign workers?

Our panel survey shows that 61% of the panellists do not have foreign workers on their payroll, even though they indicate that there is a shortage on the Belgian labour market.

What exactly stops them from employing foreign workers? The differences in language and culture (38% and 31%), but also the differences concerning legislation (18%) and expectation patterns (11%) are a stumbling block for many. While the latter are obstacles that are quite easy to overcome. Only 1% of employers see pay as a challenge.

Europeans are in particular demand

Employers who employ foreign workers in Belgium prefer Europeans. Presumably this has to do with the fact that these workers do not have to move as far. In addition, the limited administrative burden undoubtedly plays a role.

Of course, the distance from foreign workers in the EU is literally and figuratively shorter than that to workers elsewhere, given the free movement of people. And, of course, certain forms of foreign employment are more established than others. For example, seasonal work from Eastern Europe in the fruit and construction sectors.

Don't let country borders define your recruitment pool

The shortest way may be the easiest, at least, if you find that knowledge and skills you're looking for in your own home town. If not, country borders are not the right parameter to delineate your recruitment pool.

Because potential and talent should prevail, even outside the EU. Chances are your future IT specialist or engineer is still living in India or Portugal today. Are you considering recruiting talent from those areas? We are happy to take over the HR administration of your foreign employees.

Recruiting foreign workers?

Don't have your personnel policy dictated by geographical boundaries and differences in legislation. Trust our consultants' expertise.

International payroll

Share this post

Written by Christophe Hameeuw

Managing consultant Tax & International

Related articles

Employers

The special tax regime for foreign executives and specialists will be phased out

17 November 2023
Christophe Hameeuw

On 1 January 2022, the special tax regime for foreign executives will be amended. Thanks to this information, you can now check whether your current or future employees can join the new BBIB/BBIO.

Read more
Employers

Teleworking abroad: what about social security?

27 June 2023
Christophe Hameeuw

Teleworking is usually performed from your home office, but with a good internet connection, you can work anywhere in the world. From 1 July 2023, it will be possible to allow limited teleworking from abroad under certain conditions, without compromising social security.

Read more
Employers

(How) can you employ someone from Ukraine?

16 December 2022

Since the start of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. there has been an influx of Ukrainians into the Belgian labour market. How can you employ someone from Ukraine?

Read more