Belgium: Wallonia Significantly Expands Shortage Occupation List

Wallonia published a new list of shortage occupations, valid until September 30, 2023, expanding the list of occupations to 75, up from 42. The Shortage Occupation Work or Single Permit is aimed at attracting medium- and low-skilled employees. When an occupation is included in the shortage list, employers are exempt from labor market testing when seeking candidates for the specified occupation as there is a presumption that there is a shortage in the local labor market. This is the second year in a row that Wallonia significantly expanded its Shortage Occupation list, reflecting growing labor shortages in key occupations across Europe.