The Arizona majority takes an important step with the vote on student hours. A bill, originally tabled at the end of 2024 by Florence Reuter (MR) and Axel Ronse (N-VA) to make the 600 hours of student work permanent, was amended to go even further. Thanks to the work carried out by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment David Clarinval, the majority agreement now provides for an increase to 650 hours.
This text aims to give students greater freedom in their work while supporting sectors facing a shortage of labour.
On 11 March, the Chamber's Social Affairs Committee thus adopted the bill put forward by the MR and the N-VA, permanently raising the student work ceiling from 475 to 650 hours per year on a permanent basis. This means students will be able to work more under this advantageous status in 2025.
Federal MP Florence Reuter and group leader Benoit Piedboeuf welcome this progress: “This text meets an expectation of students and will above all allow them to escape the current uncertainty over whether the measure will remain permanent, which was a source of stress. It will give them the chance to earn an income without jeopardising their studies, gain experience and get a taste of professional life. Finally, this law will also help sectors in demand, as in a tight labour market, students provide a valuable boost to help fill staff shortages.”
The temporary increase to 600 hours was decided at the end of 2022 for the years 2023 and 2024. Evaluations show that this measure had no negative impact on study results and only increased demand for student work.
In addition, the Arizona government agreement provides for lowering the age at which student jobs become accessible from 16 to 15. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment David Clarinval announced that this will already take effect this coming summer.
Currently, a student employment contract can, at the earliest, be concluded by a student who has reached the age of 15, provided they are no longer subject to full-time compulsory schooling. If this is not the case, they must wait until the age of 16. This condition will be removed. Student jobs will therefore be accessible to all students from the age of 15.