The University of Liège (ULiège) has circulated a campus-wide notice advising students and staff to expect severe disruptions on TEC bus services and SNCB trains between 26 and 30 January. The memo, posted on 23 January, lists alternative travel options, urges lecturers to offer hybrid teaching, and reminds international students to retain evidence of cancelled services for visa-attendance compliance. (student.uliege.be)
With exam resits scheduled for late January, the university is allowing online submission of papers and has relaxed punctuality rules for in-person assessments. Foreign students—who make up 24 % of enrolment—risk breaching residence-permit conditions if absences are not properly documented; ULiège’s International Office will issue attendance certificates referencing the strike.
For those worried that transport disruptions could complicate future visa renewals or short-term travel plans, VisaHQ offers fast, expert support on Belgian study and residence permits, including document checks and appointment booking. More information can be found at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/.
![Universities Issue Guidance as Week-Long Transport Strikes Loom]()
Similar advisories have been shared by KU Leuven and Ghent University, reflecting a higher-education sector that has become acutely aware of how transport strikes intersect with immigration obligations. Belgian regulations grant universities only limited discretion when reporting prolonged student absences to the Immigration Office.
Corporate partners running on-campus recruitment events are being asked to switch to virtual formats. Employers sponsoring doctoral researchers should ensure that any delays in commuting do not impact payroll withholding or social-security registrations tied to physical presence in Belgium.
The university also warns that TEC’s daily cancellation list will only be published at 06:00, making early-morning planning difficult. Students are encouraged to monitor regional mobility apps and consider temporary accommodation closer to campus.
With exam resits scheduled for late January, the university is allowing online submission of papers and has relaxed punctuality rules for in-person assessments. Foreign students—who make up 24 % of enrolment—risk breaching residence-permit conditions if absences are not properly documented; ULiège’s International Office will issue attendance certificates referencing the strike.
For those worried that transport disruptions could complicate future visa renewals or short-term travel plans, VisaHQ offers fast, expert support on Belgian study and residence permits, including document checks and appointment booking. More information can be found at https://www.visahq.com/belgium/.
Similar advisories have been shared by KU Leuven and Ghent University, reflecting a higher-education sector that has become acutely aware of how transport strikes intersect with immigration obligations. Belgian regulations grant universities only limited discretion when reporting prolonged student absences to the Immigration Office.
Corporate partners running on-campus recruitment events are being asked to switch to virtual formats. Employers sponsoring doctoral researchers should ensure that any delays in commuting do not impact payroll withholding or social-security registrations tied to physical presence in Belgium.
The university also warns that TEC’s daily cancellation list will only be published at 06:00, making early-morning planning difficult. Students are encouraged to monitor regional mobility apps and consider temporary accommodation closer to campus.
