Belgium officially recognises first employer of sex workers under new labour law
A landmark moment has been reached in the legal recognition of sex work in Belgium. For the first time, an employer has been authorised to hire sex workers under a formal employment contract, De Standaard reports.
The federal Ministry of Employment has confirmed that this recognition was granted to the operator of a sex club near Gembloux and took effect on Tuesday. This is the first concrete implementation of a pioneering law that has allowed sex work to be carried out within the framework of standard labour rights since December 2024.
International praise
The law has been praised internationally for its progressive approach and aims to improve working conditions and legal protection for sex workers. It guarantees the right to refuse sexual acts, decline clients and terminate the contract at any time without notice.
Workspaces must be equipped with safety alarms, and contracts must ensure full autonomy for workers. Although sex work was decriminalised in 2022, until now it could only be practised legally on a self-employed basis.
Implementation hurdles
Despite the law's ambition, implementation has faced serious hurdles. As of May 2025, only four applications for official recognition had been submitted, none of which had been approved.
Prospective employers cited refusals by banks and insurers as key barriers, effectively stalling the legalisation process. Critics have highlighted systemic discrimination as a significant obstacle to the practical implementation of the law.
According to the Ministry of Employment, nine applications have now been submitted since the law came into force. Of these, two were rejected for failing to meet the legal requirements, one was deemed inadmissible due to missing documentation, and the remaining cases are under review. The recognition of the first employer is seen as a crucial breakthrough.
However, the law remains contested. In March, nine civil society organisations filed a constitutional appeal, arguing that the legislation risks legitimising exploitative practices by effectively recognising brothel owners as legitimate business operators. A ruling by Belgium’s Constitutional Court is expected by the end of 2026.
© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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