Migrant workers from outside Europe must follow a tailor-made integration programme

Every year, Flanders welcomes more than 18,000 migrant workers who are not required to take integration courses. But for third-country migrant workers among them – people that do not come from EU nations or countries in the European Economic Area like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland – there is now a modified and mandatory introduction package tailored to their specific needs.

Migrant workers will learn about labour law, residence law, the social security system, rights and obligations in the workplace and diploma recognition procedures through a digital self-study package. Ms Crevits believes that this is important knowledge to allow them to integrate in the workplace and in everyday life. To start off with, this programme will be available in six languages. That number of languages will be increased later on.

‘The compulsory introduction package not only ensures that migrant workers find their way in the workplace and in our society, but also that they become familiar with the values and norms that are important here,’ minister Crevits explained. ‘It is also crucial that anyone who comes to work here knows their rights and obligations and knows where to turn in the event of any abuse.’

Migrant workers will be able to follow the introductory package before they move to Flanders. If not, they must complete the course within six months of their arrival. There is a test after each of the modules. Candidates who pass all the modules successfully will receive a certificate of successful participation.