Brussels Launches “One-Stop Counter” Portal for All Work-Permit Filings
Parliament Grills Government Over Controversial Reform of Belgium’s Alien Law Court
Ongoing Bpost Strike Delays Residence Cards and Permit Letters in Brussels & Wallonia
Latest News
Lufthansa Axes 20,000 Flights and Will Lean More Heavily on Brussels Hub
Lufthansa is scrapping 20,000 flights and concentrating traffic through six hubs, including Brussels Airport. Belgian travellers will see tighter schedules and potential re-routing, so companies should audit upcoming bookings and budget for fare increases or overnight stays.
Energy-Relief Deal Brings Tax Breaks for Commuting and Business Mileage
A federal deal to offset fuel inflation offers a temporary tax credit for boosting commuter allowances, raises the kilometre cap for business mileage and renews encouragement of telework. The rules run from April to June 2026, so employers need to adjust payroll settings and travel policies promptly.
Belgium to Mandate Online Work-Permit Applications From 1 May 2026
From 1 May 2026, Belgium will require most commuter and short-term work-permit applications to be submitted through its new “Working in Belgium” portal, ending email and paper filings. Employers will need digital certificates, and applicants must upload colour PDFs that meet strict size and language rules. Officials expect processing times to be cut in half, but filings sent by email after 30 April will be rejected. The measure is a key milestone in Belgium’s broader push toward fully digital immigration services.
Three-Week Bpost Strike Snarls Delivery of Residence Cards and Parcels in Brussels and Wallonia
A nationwide strike at Bpost has halted parcel processing in Brussels and Wallonia, delaying the delivery of residence cards, original work-permit letters and other official documents needed by foreign workers. Unions oppose the postal operator’s transformation plan; talks on 20 April failed to yield an agreement. Mobility managers are warning of start-date delays and advising transferees to carry electronic approvals until Bpost resumes normal service.
Brussels Airport Signs Transatlantic Pharma-Cargo Pact With United Airlines and Virginia Partners
A new MoU between Brussels Airport, United Airlines and Virginia’s economic-development agency will create a dedicated cold-chain air-cargo corridor for pharmaceutical products between Brussels and Washington Dulles. Standardised handling processes and extra capacity aim to cut transit times, boost supply-chain resilience and generate new specialist jobs in Belgium’s cargo community.
CAE Weighs Closure of Brussels Pilot-Training Centre, Putting 22 Jobs at Risk
CAE has started a restructuring process that could close its Brussels Airport pilot-training centre, threatening 22 of 27 jobs. The move would force airlines such as Brussels Airlines and TUI fly Belgium to send crews abroad for mandatory simulator sessions, raising training and travel costs. Belgian officials are exploring incentives to keep the facility operating.