In Belgium, individuals engaged in sex work can now secure employment contracts that grant them access to health insurance, pensions, sick leave, and maternity benefits.
Belgium stands as the pioneer nation globally in implementing a law that confers labor rights upon sex workers.
This initiative comes in the wake of the nation’s 2022 resolution to decriminalize sex work.
According to the newly established guidelines, sex workers will benefit from health insurance, paid leave, maternity assistance, unemployment aid, and pensions. The legislation also outlines regulations governing working hours, compensation, and safety protocols, filling a significant void in the legal protections for individuals in this sector.
“This is an extraordinary advancement,” remarked Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of Espace P, an advocacy organization that played a role in formulating the legislation. “It signifies that their profession can at last be acknowledged as legitimate by the Belgian government.”
“From the viewpoint of employers, this represents a monumental shift. They will be required to seek government approval to employ sex workers,” Jaramillo stated.
“Previously, hiring someone for sex work automatically classified you as a pimp, even if the arrangement was mutually agreed upon,” Jaramillo explained. “Now, employers will need to apply for government authorization to hire staff.”
Employers must obtain the necessary permission, comply with stringent safety standards, and satisfy background criteria, including no prior offenses related to sexual assault or human trafficking. They are also obligated to provide fresh linens, condoms, and sanitary items, as well as install emergency buttons in working areas.
Self-employed sex work is still allowed, but unregulated third-party hiring or violations of the legal framework will face prosecution.
Critics contend that the law cannot fully tackle the stigma and hazards inherent in the trade, particularly for undocumented sex workers.
“There’s still plenty to be accomplished,” Jaramillo said, stressing the importance of enhanced police and judicial training to safeguard marginalized workers.
While nations like Germany and the Netherlands have legalized sex work, none have enacted labor protections as extensive as those of Belgium.