Belgium to increase student work hours and lower minimum age to 15
Belgium’s federal government is moving forward with plans to ease restrictions on student employment. The Social Affairs Committee has approved an increase in the annual work limit for students to 650 hours, while the minimum age for student jobs will be lowered to 15 from next summer.
The increase in working hours builds on a previous measure that temporarily raised the limit from 475 to 600 hours in 2023. A new bill, championed by right-wing N-VA and supported by majority and opposition parties, makes this change permanent.
It also raises the earnings threshold before students lose their dependent tax status, allowing them to earn up to 6,840 euros a year - double the previous limit.
”With a tight labour market, students provide valuable support to businesses struggling with staff shortages”
N-VA faction leader Axel Ronse hailed the move as a win for both students and employers. “With a tight labour market, students provide valuable support to businesses struggling with staff shortages, particularly in sectors like hospitality,” he said.
The government is also accelerating its plan to lower the student work age from 16 to 15. Employment minister David Clarinval of liberal MR told La Libre that legislation would be finalised before the summer, allowing younger students to take up jobs without full-time schooling requirements. He said existing safety regulations would remain unchanged.
These measures are part of the new government’s broader strategy to reduce dependency on social security by encouraging both young people and older workers to contribute more to the labour market. For example, the new coalition has said it will also be expanding the flexi-job system, which allows workers to take on tax-friendly second jobs.
The new proposals will now be debated in the full chamber before final approval.
Illustration photo shows a bartender at Belgian Beer Weekend in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
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