The labour shortage in West Flanders is worse than ever. Increasingly, West Flemish companies are looking abroad in a targeted quest to recruit the right talent for their job openings. That’s why it’s important to have a good policy in place to welcome such international talent. Voka - Chamber of Commerce West Flanders and POM West Flanders are now launching International House West Flanders, a one-stop-shop with information on and assistance with living and working in West Flanders for international professionals and the companies wishing to employ them.
fLTR: Nick Lenaert, VP Talent & HR Director Unilin - Jean de Bethune, Deputy of Economic Affairs for the Province of West Flanders - Hilde Crevits, Deputy Minister-President of the Government of Flanders - Philippe De Veyt, President Voka West Flanders - Davy Maes, Voka West Flanders - Charlotte Dekimpe, Voka West Flanders - Walter Schoonvaere, HR Director Stadsbader - Dirk De fauw, mayor of Bruges - Kristine Zaiceva, Global Mobility manager Delaware - Frederik D'hulster, General Manager Howest.
West Flanders is struggling badly with labour shortages, and demographics mean the situation set to get even worse in the future. There are tens of thousands of job openings every day for which no local talent can be found.
“People are our greatest resource. To be able to address labour market challenges, we must make daring choices to ensure the future prosperity of this productive, entrepreneurial knowledge hub. That includes active investment in bringing in and welcoming foreign talent. The International House assures them of a warm welcome and puts our province on the map as an attractive destination for international top talent,” says Deputy Minister-President of the Government of Flanders Hilde Crevits.
“As a border province, West Flanders has always maintained a strong focus on other countries, including as sources of labour. In such times of globalisation and labour shortages, based on that open-mindedness it only makes sense for us to promote our region internationally as an attractive place to live and work,” says Jean de Bethune, Deputy of Economic Affairs for the Province of West Flanders.
Companies are also well aware of the need to look outside the Flemish region. “This is clearly demonstrated by the numbers of applications for a ‘combined permit’ within our province, which have tripled in recent years,” says Bert Mons, Managing Director of Voka West Flanders. Unilin recognises the necessity of attracting international talent in addition to local and interregional candidates, particularly in sectors such as technology and IT. In this way, they want to strengthen their company and help prepare the region to face the future. “Through our involvement in such initiatives as the International House, we aim to create an inclusive environment and culture where both local and international talent can flourish and contribute to innovation and excellence,” says Nick Leenaert, HR Director at Unilin.
Launch of International House
West Flanders must establish itself even more firmly as an attractive place for international talent to live and work. This was the reason to set up an International House as a ‘home away from home’ for such talent and assure them of a warm welcome. International House West Flanders is the result of a collaboration between the Government of Flanders, Unilin and the Cities of Bruges, Kortrijk and Roeselare.
The International House aims to serve as a centre of information, knowledge and services for both international professionals and their families and West-Flemish organisations and companies. The goal is to ensure an easy arrival and smooth integration in West Flanders.
- The International House will act as a physical and online hub for information and guidance on navigating administrative obligations.
- It will also collect data on international talent to help guide policy decisions.
- The International House is set to be a vibrant hub for networking and community building. Accessible social and cultural activities will serve as sources of connection, entertainment and social integration for international professionals and their families.
The Cities of Bruges, Kortrijk and Roeselare eagerly anticipate the arrival of an International House in West Flanders. “As a city built on international trade with a rich economic history and present day, we welcome expats with open arms. Thanks to our healthy economy, support for entrepreneurs and unrivalled cultural heritage, our city offers both a warm home and opportunities for professional advancement and social connection,” says Dirk De fauw, mayor of Bruges.
“Kortrijk acts as a magnet for highly educated international talent thanks to our many top businesses, research universities, universities of applied sciences and research centres. All these people must feel welcome and at home in our dynamic city. They increase our knowledge, fill important jobs and add economic value. Voka’s new International House is a welcome source of support for them, our companies and organisations,” adds Vincent Van Quickenborne, mayor of Kortrijk.
“As a city attractive to entrepreneurs, Roeselare wishes to maintain and preferably improve on this reputation in upcoming decades. The City aims to use the International House to support our businesses in attracting new talent,” concludes Kris Declercq, mayor of Roeselare.
Want to know more? Visit the website of International House West Flanders via this link.
