The Belgian Council of Ministers has approved a draft bill aimed at strengthening rules on labour migration and improving the framework for highly qualified non-EU workers. The proposal includes measures aimed at strengthening the fight against fraud linked to labour migration, while also seeking to make the European Blue Card more attractive for highly qualified workers from outside the European Union. The draft bill also provides for additional protection for workers who are victims of certain social law infringements committed by employers. The text will now be submitted to the Council of State for advice.

In the House of Representatives today, Nicole de Moor responded to numerous questions regarding possible fraudulent cases of applications for single permits. All involved actors, including the Flemish Region, the Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Office, are now part of a working group to foster information exchange and avoid future abuses.

Today, a new law was published in the Belgian Official Gazette. It introduces several changes to the Immigration Act and the Reception Act, including on family reunification or searches in closed centres.

Is fraud more frequent? Are provisions in the immigration law to combat fraud necessary? coherent? These questions will be addressed during this one day colloquium organized by the Foreigners' Rights Association.

Secretary of State Maggie De Block (Open VLD) pays attention to misuse of the right to family reunification, more particularly false declarations of parenthood.