
Flanders has published a new list of shortage occupations which will enter into force on September 1, 2023, expanding the number of roles to 29 positions (currently, there are 22 roles on the list). Newly added roles will include (among others): bus and coach drivers, refrigeration technicians, drilling operators, sheet metal workers, bricklayers and floor tilers. The following roles have been removed from the list: chefs, data communication installers, and rigger-assemblers. Occupations on the list are exempt from labor market testing. Applications submitted before September 1, 2023 on the basis of the old list (which included the three removed occupations) will still benefit from the labour market testing exemption and employers will be able to extend the work authorisations of these foreign nationals. The expansion of the list – which is currently updated every two years – reflects growing labor shortages in key occupations across Europe. Looking ahead, there is draft legislation in Flanders that would change the frequency of the shortage occupation list updates. We will provide an update when information becomes available.
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

Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Awards
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Video
In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Blog post
Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Blog post
Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Awards
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Video
In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Blog post
Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Blog post
Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.