Who has not heard at least once in a lifetime the expression "Labor made a man out of a monkey." Hackneyed, but such a relevant phrase! Every citizen works throughout his life. One is a pleasure for others, for others it is hard work. Someone is not satisfied with the size of their wages, while others are not satisfied with the conditions. But there is a certain category of citizens called “seekers”. They are looking for work, their calling, a place in the sun. Such people do not stop the limits of the permissible; they are used to expand them. Other cities and countries do not scare such seekers, they can do everything.
Today, many residents of the CIS countries seek to work abroad. This is explained very simply. Unemployment in their country and low wages are the main reasons for the outflow of labor abroad. Many states are becoming a haven for "seekers." One such country is Belgium. Amazing in beauty, with a mild oceanic climate, it offers various opportunities for implementation.
To work in Belgium
This is one of the most developed countries in Europe. Many are attracted to work abroad. Belgium can offer good conditions to all comers. Of course, as in any country, the search can drag on, but it's worth it. First you need to know that Belgium has a linguistic division. Thus, the inhabitants of Wallonia speak French, and Flanders prefers Dutch. Part of the province of Liège speaks German. Thus, work in Belgium involves knowledge of at least one of the languages of the country, English is mandatory.
Work may be permanent or seasonal. Some people prefer to go to work during the harvest season or during the summer vacation season. At this time, service industry specialists are in great demand.
Most paid professions
Given the pace of economic growth, it is not surprising that the demand for high-class specialists is constantly growing. It is not necessary to say that the level of qualification and experience in similar positions are of paramount importance. This is important if a citizen wants to work in his specialty. The Belgian labor market can offer jobs to people in the following professions:
- Doctor. The specialist must confirm his qualifications, have experience, speak the language.
- Engineer. It is in demand at various enterprises. Since Belgium has a well-developed textile, chemical industry, metallurgy and other industries, the need for professionals always exists.
- Accountants. The country's economy was in a difficult situation, but now the situation has stabilized. An important role is given to financiers and employees of the banking system.
- The creators of IT technology. The new century of development of science and technology dictates its conditions, new specialties appear. Belgium does not stand still, so programmers, system administrators and analysts, and digital technicians are becoming in demand.
Least Paid Specialties
Those citizens who do not have the necessary profession or are not able to confirm their qualifications can find application in such specialties:
- waiter;
- cashier;
- seller;
- nurse;
- mechanic;
- gardener;
- driver;
- technical staff (maid, janitor).
Remuneration in Belgium
Belgians are highly developed. Intelligent European country, educated residents, clean streets. Attitude to people involves courtesy, delicacy, respect and decency. Work in Belgium provides a guaranteed and timely income.Compared to other European countries, wages are one of the highest. This situation has persisted for ten years. At the same time, the country is the third largest tax collector. A contract is concluded between the company and the trade union, according to which wages are paid. This is strictly monitored. The salary may be as follows (thousand euros):
- doctor - 5.1 (in the presence of individual practice - 7-8 thousand euros);
- engineer - 4.2;
- IT specialist - 3.3;
- driver, electrician - 2.6;
- plumber - 2.7;
- secretary - 2.3;
- seller - 2.2;
- maid - 2.1.
How to find a job in Belgium
In search of work, you must regularly access online resources. You can find interesting offers on various websites. With the development of IT-technologies, a whole niche has formed, which cannot always be filled with your own resources. If you need work in Belgium, you can do without intermediaries. The most important thing is to get an entry visa with category D and a work permit. A citizen applying for a workplace must provide the following documents to the Embassy of the country:
- international passport;
- health certificate;
- document confirming the absence of a criminal record;
- Photo;
- filled in special forms in the language of the country (two copies);
- permission or invitation to employment;
- copies of all attached documents.
Work in Belgium is carried out according to a permit, which can be of several types:
- allowed to work in any industry and for any term (category A);
- standard resolution (category B);
- temporary permission (category C);
- professional card;
- blue EU map.
Seasonal work
Agriculture is growing rapidly. The main crops in plant growing are wheat and corn, flax, potatoes, beets, plums, cherries, grapes and mushrooms. In animal husbandry cattle breeding and pig breeding are developing. The farm is well developed. Owners try to use hired force from among immigrants - it is cheaper. Labor legislation does not regulate this area of activity. Payment is up to ten euros at best. Illegals work for even lower pay. Residents of Eastern Europe willingly agree to seasonal work.
Pros and cons for those wishing to live in Belgium
European countries are a “tidbit” for everyone who wants to make good money. People of many states flock here. Belgium often opens the door to Russian citizens. The life of Russians in Belgium is different. The main advantages include:
- a fairly high standard of living, wages, social benefits;
- compulsory health insurance;
- qualified specialists can easily find work;
- a pension is accrued after two years, subject to full-time employment;
- It is not very difficult to obtain a residence permit;
- good cuisine, quality drinking water, friendly residents.
Russian is not always easy to get used to the traditions and customs of the country. Having multiple languages makes life difficult. Retirement age is rising, high taxes are not encouraging. Yes, and the weather is unusual (constant rains). It is difficult to apply for and renew a visa. Nevertheless, this country attracts Russians with its stability, concern for workers, a high level of medicine, and wages.
Useful information
Many people want to know what life is like in Belgium. Reviews, tips, pros and cons of moving to this state will be extremely interesting to such citizens. Those who have visited this country, worked or stayed there live, are ready to easily share their opinions and advice. Some people think that it is much easier to realize your ideas here, start a new business, get a good education. People are not as loose as in the Netherlands, not as conservative as in Germany.
Many are scared of food prices. Yes, indeed, the difference is significant.So, for example, chicken in Russia costs about 5.5 dollars, in Belgium - 10.5 dollars. Other products are also almost twice as expensive. But do not despair and panic. High monthly income more than covers this difference. If the average salary in Russia is about 800-900 dollars, then in Belgium this figure rises to 2000. Pensions are 120 and 970, respectively.
Slavs seek Belgium
Sometimes work in Belgium for Ukrainians and Russians becomes the only way to survive. But after working there for some time, people feel a desire to apply for citizenship.
In this case, you can advise the following:
- invest money in the country's economy (open a company, buy an enterprise);
- enter a university and get an education, then get a job in a specialty;
- get refugee status;
- find an official permanent job;
- to marry a citizen of a country.
Immigrants from the post-Soviet countries are drawn up for working specialties: drivers, joiners, electricians, sellers, technical personnel.
It is best to get a job legally - this will avoid a lot of problems, including with government officials. The lot of illegal immigrants - loaders, cleaners, dishwashers. They are not very ceremonious, they can cut wages, they are limited in movement.
Belgium unemployment rate
Not everyone can find work, and there is unemployment in Belgium too. Its level is slightly more than 8.3%, which is significantly lower than in other EU countries. An important role is played by the level of education. More than eighty percent of citizens with higher education have a job. The category of workers with secondary education is about 40%. There is no social inequality by gender. No one will refuse a woman if she is a good specialist. This state is characterized by social equality. The incomes of the lower strata and the higher are not very different.
The situation with unemployment is tense throughout the European Union. It seems unrealistic for a Belgian company to invite a Russian or Ukrainian to work. To do this, they first offer a vacancy to their residents, then to applicants from the Union, and only then to citizens of other countries. But if you approach the matter wisely, you can find a good job.
Pensions in Belgium
Both women and men retire at age 65. Only those citizens who have worked for 45 years can receive the full amount of the pension rate. If a person has worked for 15-20 years, then he will receive the same allowance as the one who did not work a day. That is why foreigners are in no hurry to find a job. If people came to Belgium in adulthood and older, then they simply are not able to work 45 years for pension accruals. In this case, they can choose from two options: work in Belgium for a free profession or unemployment benefits. Many choose the second option.
No one can forbid a person to try his hand. Work at home or go abroad is a purely personal decision. First of all, you need to weigh the pros and cons. If after all of the above, the desire to go to work in Belgium did not disappear, but rather intensified, then such citizens can wish them good luck and a happy journey!