The economic impact of migration

What is the impact of migration on our economy? Minister of Finance Johan van Overtveldt and Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration Theo Francken have ordered an investigation into the question by the National Bank of Belgium. “In Anglo-Saxon countries, an investigation into the economic impact is normal, while in Latin cultures, it’s a taboo,” says Secretary of State Francken, who has long advocated an objective investigation.

Focus on migrants from outside the EU

Minister Van Overtveldt and Secretary of State Francken want to obtain a picture of the economic impact on Social security Social security is currently managed at the Federal level in Belgium. The most important pillars of Belgian social security are: sickness and invalidity insurance (NIDHI), pensions, unemployment insurance and child allowances. In addition, occupational illness, occupational accidents and annual holidays are dealt with at this level. Some Flemish parties have been campaigning for years for (large parts of) social security to be transferred to the Regions and Communities. social security , the labour market and productivity. The National Bank of Belgium was given the assignment in its investigation of focusing on migrants from outside the EU. It has also been requested to investigate the impact per region and per migration channel, such as family reunification.

“Often reference is made to outdated or international studies, the conclusions of which can only be applied to Belgium with difficulty. Today, we still do not have an all-inclusive study,” says Minister Johan Van Overtveldt.