Effective July 1, 2025, the Brussels shortage occupation list has been revised and is now comprised of 81 professions (down from 82). Occupations on the list are exempt from labor market testing; this list will remain valid for one year. Key changes include: the number of listed jobs in the sales sector has decreased from nine to two; jobs in the personal services sector have been removed, such as public safety officer, home cleaner, and hairdresser, but security guard remains on the list; and new information technology sector professions have been added to reflect growing demand. There has been no public guidance on whether a transition period will apply to applications submitted prior to July 1, 2025 for professions no longer on the list and not yet approved.
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].
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Awards
Fragomen is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
Fragomen news
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Fragomen is cited in the UK House of Lords’ landmark report, “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out,” published on 4 November by the UK Engagement with Space Committee.
Blog post
Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
Awards
Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
Media mentions
Senior Manager William Diaz outlines the US visa options available to the games industry for bringing international talent to the United States, including O-1, L-1 and E-2.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons and Manager Andreia Ghimis explain how businesses can navigate Europe’s new ETIAS pre-travel authorisation and avoid disruptions.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock and Associate Jennifer Gray analyse the barriers and opportunities for overseas creatives navigating the UK’s immigration system.
Blog post
Associate Chloe Evans outlines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking British citizenship based on ancestral ties.