Belgium raises 2026 minimum-salary thresholds for Work Permit B, Single Permit and EU Blue Card
Farmers lift three-day blockade at Brussels Airport, restoring cargo flows
New ‘cohabitant’ definition may cut welfare access for low-income migrants
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Strikes freeze Brussels Airport passenger growth but cargo proves resilient
A January report shows that November’s three-day national strike wiped out expected passenger growth at Brussels Airport, costing an estimated €175 million, while cargo volumes actually rose 3 %. The contrast stresses the need for contingency planning for both travellers and shippers as Belgium heads into another potentially strike-hit year.
Belgium lifts 2026 salary bar for Work Permit B and EU Blue Card
Belgium’s regions have published higher minimum salaries for 2026 work permits and EU Blue Cards, increasing wages by roughly 6–7 %. Applications that quote 2025 figures will be rejected, so employers must update contracts, payroll models and budgets immediately. The jump raises mobility costs but may steer firms toward alternative permit categories.
Farmers end three-day blockade at Brussels Airport, cargo flows resume
After three days of tractor blockades, farmers reopened roads to Brussels Airport on 18 January, restoring normal cargo flows. The protest delayed high-value freight and forced rerouting of staff and shipments, underscoring the need for contingency plans as further demonstrations over the EU-Mercosur deal remain possible.
Belgium redefines ‘cohabitant’ for welfare benefits, affecting some migrants
From 1 March 2026 CPAS offices will aggregate the earnings of all adults sharing a residence when calculating Belgium’s minimum-income benefit. The change could strip support from international students, low-paid assignees and migrants awaiting permit decisions, so employers should reassess relocations that depend on social-aid certificates.