Belgian aviation sector backs EU-wide call to suspend biometric border checks
Belgium raises long-stay visa fee to €250 as of 1 July, embassies worldwide update schedules
Belgian aviation sector joins EU-wide plea to pause new border system after five-hour queues
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Aviation bodies urge EU to allow emergency suspension of EES amid five-hour border queues
Europe’s airports, airlines and IATA have asked the European Commission to let member states pause the new Schengen Entry/Exit System during busy summer periods, warning of five-hour queues. The request matters to Belgian corporates because Brussels Airport is already seeing severe delays that can disrupt business travel, supply chains and duty-of-care obligations.
Flemish Government adds €180 charge to each Single-Permit application for non-EU workers
Flanders will introduce a €180 regional fee on every Single-Permit (combined residence/work) application, lifting total up-front costs for hiring non-EU staff to €332. The surcharge, announced 30 June 2026, is meant to make employers shoulder administrative expenses but could hinder talent acquisition and lengthen processing times for Belgian businesses.
Handling fee for Belgian long-stay (D) visas rises to €250 worldwide
Belgium has increased the administrative contribution for all long-stay (D) visa applications from €180 to €250 as of 1 July 2026. Employers and assignees must budget for the higher fee, which applies globally and is payable before appointments are confirmed.