Belgium: Expedited Processing for Highly-Skilled Foreign Workers in the Flanders Region
May 13, 2025
The Flemish government has implemented 15-calendar-day processing for highly skilled workers’ work authorization (down from one to 2.5 months), bringing the overall work authorization processing time (including consular processing and residence permit processing) from 4.5 months to three months in the Flemish region. Starting January 2026, the Flemish government intends to reduce the standard processing time for all work authorization applications to a maximum of 45 calendar days. Further, the government has announced planned restrictions for non-highly skilled/low-skilled immigration pathways. We will track the progress of these plans and report on related developments.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.
Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.
Awards
Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.
Video
Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.
Blog post
Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.
Blog post
Senior Associate Stephania Bertoni Norris and Associate Kelsey McGonigle discuss how travelers and businesses should prepare for potential changes to Chile’s eligibility for the US ESTA program.
Blog post
Partner Azeem Mohiuddin discusses Kuwait’s evolving visa landscape, talent mobility trends and emerging business opportunities for employers in 2025.
Podcast
Michali Henig of HelloFresh shares her global mobility career journey and offers insights into attracting international talent to Germany, covering immigration, relocation, integration and more.
Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore shares insights in a podcast interview on recent UK immigration changes, their impact on the construction industry and steps employers can take to remain compliant.
Awards
Partners Audrea Golding and Emily Allen are finalists for the 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards in the Thought Leadership and Innovative Leaders categories.
Video
Explore Canada’s Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and learn how to apply for permanent residency. Includes eligibility, application steps and benefits for skilled workers and graduates.
Blog post
Senior Manager Noman Khan explores Iraq’s shifting compliance landscape beyond its oil industry, highlighting emerging regulatory trends and challenges.
Media mentions
Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how new US visa rules restrict travel for students from Nigeria and Ghana.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Jonathan Hill noted that stricter UKVI audits and asylum claim reviews are driving more student visa action plans.
Fragomen news
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh and Associate Anna I. Perina explore how changing immigration enforcement is affecting workforce planning and compliance for US employers.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung provide guidance for businesses on the legal and procedural requirements for amending their AoA in Saudi Arabia.