This is a query regarding work permits while having a temporary residence card.
In February 2012 we had our Samenwoning Contract approved by the commune and in March I was issued my temporary residence card (an orange card). Now I must wait until October2012 for my electronic card.
Can I look for a job during this period that I’m waiting for my electronic identity card? And would an employer offer employment to a person in my status?
I understand that legal cohabitants do not need a visa work permit to be employed in Belgium but it’s not clear when does this come to apply. Is it from the moment you are issued the electronic card? Or does it apply from the moment you have your temporary residence card?
Sorry for the long post and good luck to all of those who visit the forums in search for some guidance.
Your Orange card will have a section on the back panel that can be rubber stamped out with a cross at the Gemeentehuis which then lets you take up a job. There are some stipulations as to when you can get this - in my case I got it crossed out immediately because I'd been married 10 years before I applied for it. Your personal status would determine this for you. You could of course look for a job during this period but I doubt if any employer would be willing to hire you if you do not bear that cross on your orange ID. This would answer your question about the work permit.
Yes, I doubt any employer would offer employment under a temporary residency. I will go on Monday to the Dienst Arbeidsmigratie en Uitzendkantoren here in Antwerp to obtain further information as every one I've asked tells me a different thing and asking on the internet just brings further confusion. Still, thanks for taking the time and interest to reply. The section on the back of my card just informs where is my current residence and there is space and a table in case I move to a different address, not really what you mention above.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help but it is true that you will get different responses from different people as no two cases are the same. When I first got my orange card, I was told I couldn't take up a job until I got my permanent residency five months later but we found the rubber stamp thing on the internet, went back to the gemeentehuis with the print-out and the lady there had the stamp right there in front of her on her table and she told us she'd never had the occasion to use it so didn't know what it was for and promptly stamped the back of my orange card. Now, I live in a small village and the paucity of foreigners here means her not knowing about the rubber stamp is understandable. But this also means, depending on your circumstances, you may (because you live in Antwerp) or may not (your case might be unique) get the info' you require from the person you meet. A lot of this kind of quality info is available only in Flemish & French, if you lack these language skills then perhaps you should get somebody from your family to check these out like I did. Good luck with everything...
Every bit of information helps, so thanks again for your reply! I did not know about the stamp, will certainly ask on Monday. I've noticed that many government and/or city workers don't have a clear idea on some of the laws regarding some of these issues. Surprising and worrying!!
