Applicants for international protection can legally work in Belgium 4 months after submission of their application. When you renew your orange card at the municipality, it will automatically state: 'Labour market: unlimited' and you can practice all professions in Belgium. Your right to work remains valid until the CGRS has made a decision on your application. If you appeal against the decision of the CGRS, your right to work is valid until the CALL (RvV/CCE) takes a decision in your appeal procedure.
In Belgium there are three main resources to find a job:
After four months of receiving your orange card, if you have not yet received a response from the CGRS, you can register as a jobseeker with an employment agency. An employment agency can help you look for a training course or traineeship, attend Dutch or French classes in order to work, draft your CV, letter of motivation or help you prepare for a job interview, look for vacancies for you, which match your experience or interests.
VDAB provides several training courses or workshops for job seekers holding online or distance learning in various fields. You may click Opleidingen on the VDAB website and search with your own keyword. There will be more options such as limiting your search in the next page for getting the best result. Residents of the asylum center must follow Dutch course with the Agency for integration but not with VDAB. After being in Belgium for 4 months, an asylum seeker can follow a course with VDAB.
Finding a job at VDAB would be easier and faster if you know Dutch. VDAB has training courses for learning Dutch also for free. To search for a job, click on Jon on the VDAB website and search with your keyword. Also, VDAB will send you letters or emails about suggesting available jobs for you. It is very important to read them and in case of any question you may call them or send e-mail (info@vdab.be).