The Flemish Government has announced that Ukrainian refugees will now be required to register with the Flemish Employment Service (VDAB).
In a press release published on Friday, the Government claimed that "work will strengthen the social position of Ukrainian displaced persons", and that "working is and remains the most important factor for social integration in our Flemish society".
The announcement comes after Flemish Home Affairs Minister Bart Somers declared last month that Flanders is "stretched to the limit" in its ability to accommodate Ukrainian refugees.
There are currently 30,000 Ukrainian refugees living in Flanders, of whom 18,000 are of working age. However, only a third of those eligible to work are registered with the VDAB, while a mere 2,229 have found employment since arriving in Belgium — meaning, in effect, that at least 87% of the Ukrainian refugees in Belgium are currently unemployed.
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"Work not only provides an income, but also identity, social contacts, structure and involvement in society," said Jo Brouns, the Flemish Minister for Employment, Economy, Innovation, and Agriculture. "In short: it ensures social integration. [And] the job market is the best place to integrate."
Brouns' remarks were echoed by the Flemish Minister for Finance, Budget, and Housing, Matthias Diependaele.
"In Flanders, we have always fully supported the Ukrainian refugees in terms of reception and other initiatives," Diependaele said. "Work is the most important step towards greater self-reliance. In the long run, this can also reduce pressure on housing and reception initiatives across Flanders."
More than 60,000 Ukrainian refugees are presently residing in Belgium. Approximately 7.8 million Ukrainians are believed to fled their country since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February.
