One in 20 Belgians lives abroad

Nearly 35,000 Belgians leave their country each year to live abroad, reports Jobat.be. Mostly engineers, entrepreneurs and people working in the tourism sector emigrate for their work. In addition to Belgium’s neighbouring countries, the USA, UK, Canada and South Africa are also popular destinations.

"These are mainly people with a degree in higher education," says David Van Wynsberghe of the non-profit organisation International Contacts. "Especially engineers, because there are so many Belgian companies operating in foreign countries that need engineers.”

Belgians who have emigrated claim that the work experience gained abroad is generally appreciated by future employers, even for "lower" functions. “People who want to achieve a higher position in Belgium often have to first gain experience abroad," confirms Van Wynsberghe.