Recent statistics reveal that approximately 60% of unemployed individuals in Belgium come from a non-Belgian background. This data emerges as the right-leaning government intensifies its focus on tightening regulations surrounding migrants and job seekers.
Unemployment among non-Belgians raises concerns
Employment Minister David Clarinval shared these figures on Wednesday following inquiries from Socialist MP Sophie Thémont, describing the findings as “rather astonishing.” Clarinval emphasized the challenges faced by migrants, noting that “[migrants] have a much lower command of the national languages” and may struggle with understanding the institutional system. He stressed the importance of prioritizing support for these individuals, stating, “we clearly need to focus on these people and pay particular attention to them.”
According to the data, individuals classified as having a non-Belgian background include those born with a different nationality or those whose parents hold foreign nationalities, regardless of their current Belgian citizenship. The breakdown indicates that 41.5% of unemployed people are Belgian, while roughly 13% hail from North African descent, followed by migrants from southern EU nations.
Shifts in immigration policy and unemployment benefits
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, a prominent figure in the Flemish right-wing movement who assumed office in February, has labeled the nation’s immigration policy as the “source of all misery.” He has initiated stringent new regulations, including increased income requirements and extended waiting periods for family reunification visas.
Furthermore, De Wever’s administration plans to implement a significant reduction in unemployment benefits for individuals who have remained jobless for over 20 years, beginning next year. Under the proposed changes, claimants would be eligible to receive benefits for a maximum of two years. This policy shift is anticipated to affect around 180,000 Belgians, resulting in savings of nearly €2 billion for the state.