In move by the Belgium government, sex workers in the country will, from 1 December 2024, become eligible for formal work contracts under new legislation aimed at providing social protections and improving working conditions.
The law, passed in May 2024, marks a significant shift for a sector that has long operated in a legal grey area.
It grants sex workers social status, aligning their rights with those of other workers in Belgium, while protecting them from exploitation and workplace threats.
Outgoing Federal Labour Minister Pierre-Yves Dermagne confirmed the bill’s implementation, following years of consultations involving the Ministries of Labour, Social Affairs, and Justice, as well as grassroots organizations like the Belgian Union for Sex Workers
Belgium decriminalized sex work in 2002, but the profession had remained unregulated until now.
With the new law, the government seeks to offer greater legal protections and remove stigmas associated with the profession.
Grassroots groups have hailed the legislation as “historic.” A UTSOPI representative stated, “This is a major victory for sex workers in Belgium. It recognizes our work, ensures safety, and protects against exploitation.”
The legislation is part of a broader effort to address systemic issues in the sex work industry while safeguarding worker rights.
However, authorities have emphasized that these rights come with responsibilities, ensuring that the industry operates transparently and within legal boundaries.
