Client Payment Portal

BELGIUM: Immigration reform aims to expedite single permit application processing

Feb 26, 2020 | Global

Summary of the Issue – After much lobbying, the Belgian government is taking actions to reform the single permit application process with the goal of improving processing timeframes. Implemented on January 1, 2019, the single permit application allows non-EU employees to work in multiple branches of an EU-based multinational company. The single permit replaced a two-sided process for obtaining residence and work permits each with their own rules and procedures.

Policy Reform – The reforms focuses on increasing the number of immigration bureaucrats, streamlining internal processes, and taking advantage of technology efficiencies.

Impact – Upon implementation, the reforms promise to expedite immigration processing by allowing single permit holders (including first-time applicants, renewal applicants, and those changing employers) to start or continue employment upon approval of regional authorities.  First-time applicants must still obtain approval from federal authorities, but can begin working upon approval from local authorities.

More Information –

 

Related Posts:

New Digital Platform: Working in Belgium

A digital platform, “Working in Belgium,” intended to facilitate the filing and processing of applications, will be launched soon after a test phase. The Brexit Trade and Cooperation Agreement has an impact on UK business visitors: some activities are work permit-exempt. Finally, this article summarizes the main changes to the Flanders work/single permit legislation that took effect March 1, 2021. New Digital Platform: Working in Belgium Belgium will soon have a new digital/electronic platform to facilitate information gathering and exchange by and between the authorities involved in single-permit processing. These authorities include the three regions (Brussels, Flanders, and Wallonia), the federal immigration office, foreign consular posts, municipalities, and the national social security office. The practical roll-out of the digital platform, “Working in Belgium,” is planned in three phases: Phase 1: All single-permit applications (first applications and renewals) processed via the digital platform, “Working in Belgium,” where the applicant can consult his file. This includes a test phase, probably in April 2021, and will become operational after the test phase ends. Phase 2: Integrated electronic exchange between the platform and the authorities concerned with planning: operational by the end of June 2021. Phase 3: Extension of the scope of applications via “Working in Belgium” […]

Read More

COLOMBIA: Update on Entry Permit Reform

Several updates have been announced with respect to reform of entry permits, including a new special permit for Venezuelans. Reform of Entry Permits As of December 1, 2019, Resolution 3167 of 2019 issued by Migración Colombia is effective. This resolution establishes new guidelines for the entry, stay, and departure from the national territory of nationals and foreigners. The new resolution reorganizes the entry and stay permits (PIP) in three categories, which will allow foreigners of unrestricted nationalities to enter the country not intending to establish a domicile or profit, for short periods. The length of stay of PIPs will vary according to each category. See http://www.tannus.co/en/reform-of-entry-and-residence-permits/ New Special Permit for Venezuelans The Colombian government has continued simplifying the immigration regulations for Venezuelan nationals so they can continue to enter and regularize their immigration status in the country. Among the measures established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the possibility of their entering, transiting, and leaving the national territory, even if the Venezuelan passport has expired. See http://www.tannus.co/en/new-special-permit-for-venezuelans/

Read More