A Belgian "Law Program" involves changes in the "Aliens Law"

Today, 1 July 2013, the "Law Program" from 28 June 2013 involving a number of changes for foreigners living in Belgium, enters into force. The political agreement on the Law was reached in the framework of discussions on the budget.

Page of the Official Belgian Gazette

Today, the "Law Program" from 28 June 2013 was published in the Belgian Official Gazette and entered into force. A "Law Program" is an act which is adopted at the same time as a budget and which contains measures supporting the agreement on the budget.

Changes for foreigners living in Belgium are the following:

  • Up to now, family members of EU citizens and family members of Belgians, who are staying in Belgium on family reunification grounds, are allowed to stay in Belgium under conditions during 3 years. EU citizens living in Belgium also have a "conditional stay" during the first 3 years. The 3 year period under conditions (for EU citizens and their family members and for family members of Belgians) is extended to 5 years. As from now, a "durable stay" in the form of an E+ or F+ card is only possible after 5 years.
  • Some foreigners whose stay was regularized , lose their right to social assistance:  it concerns persons whose stay was regularized based on article 9bis of the Aliens Law because of a work permit or professional card.
  • EU citizens don't longer receive a living wage (social integration) during the first 3 months of their stay in Belgium.

More information in articles 15-19 of the Law Program from 28 June 2013 in French or in Dutch.

Publication Date: Mon 01 Jul 2013
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