Abstract
Following the arrival of many asylum seekers in 2015-2016, the participation of asylum seekers and refugees in the labour market has become a major political concern. In Brussels, this issue is part of a context of structural unemployment affecting non-European populations in particular, and of an employment support policy which is opposed to targeted measures for refugees and asylum seekers. In order to address these challenges, organisations which work to promote the participation of refugees and asylum seekers in the labour market must innovate. This article focuses on four recent initiatives and how they fit into pre-existing institutional dynamics, in order to provide an analysis which complements the literature on the “Brussels institutional puzzle”.
Highlights
BAPAs must administer a programme to facilitate the socio-economic integration of new Brussels residents from countries outside the European Union who have a residence permit of three months or more but who have resided in Belgium for less than three years and are registered in the residence register of one of the 19 municipalities of Brussels (Joint Community Commission of the Brussels-Capital Region, 2017)
Refugees residing in Belgium for less than three years can participate in the reception programme, but not asylum seekers, as their residence permits – if renewable – are only valid for three months
BAPAs do not have the mandate to use their public subsidies to promote professional integration directly, there is nothing that prevents them from developing such projects using other resources
Summary
Community Commission of the Brussels-Capital Region (COCOF). BAPAs must administer a programme to facilitate the socio-economic integration of new Brussels residents from countries outside the European Union who have a residence permit of three months or more but who have resided in Belgium for less than three years and are registered in the residence register of one of the 19 municipalities of Brussels (Joint Community Commission of the Brussels-Capital Region, 2017). The Brussels French Parliament created a formal regional reception programme in 2013 and decided to make it compulsory in 2017 [Xhardez, 2016, Joint Community Commission of the Brussels-Capital Region, 2017] The application of this obligation has been delayed several times and, as of March 2019, is scheduled for 2020 [D., 2018; Le Vif 2018]. BAPAs do not have the mandate to use their public subsidies to promote professional integration directly, there is nothing that prevents them from developing such projects using other resources This avenue was explored in Schaerbeek when the municipality applied in mid-2017 for a grant from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for this purpose with the close involvement of VIA BAPA [V., 2017].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
