Language is one of the major obstacles faced by refugees seeking work in Belgium. According to figures provided by Statbel, only 20% of Ukrainian job seekers find work in Belgium, and many of the difficulties they face are due to the language barrier. A recent article published in newspaper Le Vif - about an initiative directed at Ukrainian refugees - examines the efficiency of language classes in Belgium and the differential treatment of refugees based on their origins.

Teaching languages at work

In an attempt to address related issues as well as the current labour shortage facing Belgium, two companies - in cooperation with Flander’s employment agency VDAB - now offer Ukrainian refugees the opportunity to take tailor-made language classes at work in combination with professional training. This may be a potential solution to the labour shortage, although lessons in Dutch or French are already offered to all newly arrived TCN migrants legally residing in Belgium via the civic integration programme. Such programmes are mandatory in Wallonia, Flanders, and Brussels.

Effectiveness of language classes and integration programmes

Thanks to a very active civil society and proactive public policies toward integration, Belgium is now able to offer civic integration programmes - which include language classes - to newcomers across the country. Regions face different issues in the implementation of these programmes.

Associations report difficulties in recruiting qualified teachers who fit Wallonia’s official prerequisites. L’Hirondelle states that the availability of places in classes is dependent on current events, although they can largely make room for participants thanks to a network of volunteers. The primary concern seems to be financial, as state funding can often be limited or delayed.

In terms of the capacity of the civic integration programme, VIA Brussels stated in their 2022 activity report that for the first time since 2018, the organisation did not exceed its capacity of 2 000 active participants.

In 2018, another report evaluated that Belgium's language classes for migrants were "missing their goal". The authors called for the creation of different classes to meet diverse needs, as well as a shift in the pedagogical approach to teaching. With this in mind, tailor-made language classes intended for refugees displaced from Ukraine, with a practical approach to work, could be an appropriate measure.

Language and job shortages: equal opportunities?

The private companies’ initiative of organising language classes is beneficial to Ukrainian jobseekers although could raise potential concerns around differential treatment of refugees based on their origins. Since February 2022, there have been many initiatives directed at refugees displaced from Ukraine, including facilitated access to banking services, housing, and measures related to work and integration. Most of these initiatives remain directed solely at Ukrainian nationals and could benefit wider society if they were made available for all refugees, ensuring equal opportunities. Measures aimed at facilitating the employment of refugees appear to be a relevant strategy for both promoting migrant integration and addressing Belgium’s labour shortages.