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Sex workers in Belgium will be able to sign formal employment contracts and gain labour rights on par with those in other industries in world-first reforms some are calling a “revolution".
The new law, which came into effect on Sunday, also establishes fundamental rights for sex workers including the right to refuse clients, choose their practices and stop an act at any moment.
The move follows the country's 2022 decision to decriminalise sex work.
Under the new regulations, sex workers will have access to health insurance, paid leave, maternity benefits, unemployment support and pensions.
The legislation also establishes rules on working hours, pay and safety measures, addressing a long-standing gap in legal protections for those in the industry.
"This is an incredible step forward," said Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of Espace P, an advocacy group involved in drafting the legislation.
"It means their profession can finally be recognised as legitimate by the Belgian state.
"From the employer's perspective, this will also be a revolution. They'll have to apply for a state authorisation to hire sex workers.
"Under the previous legislation, hiring someone for sex work automatically made you a pimp, even if the arrangement was consensual.
"Now, they'll have to apply for state authorisation to hire employees."
Employers must now get authorisation, adhere to strict safety protocols, and meet background requirements, including no prior convictions for sexual assault or human trafficking.
They must provide clean linens, condoms, and hygiene products, and install emergency buttons in workspaces.
Independent sex work remains permitted, but unregulated third-party hiring or violations of the legal framework will be prosecuted.
Critics argue the law cannot fully address the stigma and risks tied to the trade, especially for undocumented sex workers.
"There's still a lot of work to be done," said Ms Jaramillo, emphasising the need for better police and judicial training to protect marginalised workers.
While countries such as Germany and the Netherlands have legalised sex work, none have implemented labour protections as comprehensive as Belgium’s.
AP