عقود

1. What is the general rule on child labour in Belgium?

In Belgium, child labour is generally prohibited. Children cannot perform any physical or intellectual activity that contributes to a production process.

2. Are there exceptions to the child-labour prohibition in Belgium?

Yes. In Belgium, exceptions exist only for activities linked to a child’s education or training, or for activities that receive an individual exemption from the authorities.

3. Which children are protected under the child-labour ban in Belgium?

In Belgium, the ban applies to minors under 15 or those still in full-time compulsory schooling. Full-time schooling ends at 16, so 15–16 year-olds may still be covered depending on their schooling status.

4. What activities are allowed without an exemption in Belgium?

In Belgium, activities inside a child’s normal educational environment are always allowed, such as school plays, youth-group events, or classroom participation in TV programs.

5. Which activities require an individual exemption in Belgium?

In Belgium, an exemption is required for acting, dancing, singing, modeling, film recordings, TV or radio work, and fashion shows, including advertising-related work.

6. Can children work in activities not listed in the Belgian law?

No. In Belgium, exemptions can only be granted for activities explicitly listed in the law. Any unlisted work is prohibited.

7. What working conditions apply when a child has an exemption in Belgium?

In Belgium, strict rules apply, such as maximum activity hours, mandatory rest periods, limits on yearly participation, early finishing times, and a minimum 14-hour rest between work periods.

8. How many hours per day may children participate in permitted activities in Belgium?

In Belgium:
• Up to 6 years: max 4 hours (8:00–19:00)
• 7–11 years: max 6 hours (8:00–22:00)
• 12–15 years or still in full-time schooling: max 8 hours (8:00–23:00)

9. What rest periods must be respected for children in Belgium?

In Belgium:
• Up to 6 years: break after 2 hours
• 7–11 years: break after 3 hours
• 12–15 years: break after 4 hours, plus another break if activity exceeds 6 hours

A 14-hour break between two activity days is mandatory.

10. How many activities per year may children perform in Belgium?

In Belgium:
• Up to 6 years: 6 activities total
• 7–11 years: 12 activities (up to 24 with approval)
• 12–15 years: 24 activities (up to 36 with approval)

11. Who can request an individual exemption in Belgium?

In Belgium, only the organizer of the activity—who must be a natural person domiciled in Belgium—may apply for the exemption.

12. What must a Belgian exemption application contain?

In Belgium, the application must include organizer details, activity details, child identity, parental consent, and the school principal’s opinion if school absence is required.

13. Can a child begin working before the exemption is granted in Belgium?

No. In Belgium, children cannot participate until the organizer has received written authorization. This authorization must be available at the activity location.

14. How must a child be compensated for work in Belgium?

In Belgium, any monetary compensation must be deposited into a blocked savings account in the child’s name. Only the child can access it at adulthood.

15. Are gifts allowed as compensation in Belgium?

Yes, but in Belgium only customary gifts appropriate to the child’s age and development are permitted. Anything beyond that may be considered illegal payment.

16. What sanctions apply for illegal child labour in Belgium?

In Belgium, criminal and administrative penalties apply to organizers, parents, guardians, and intermediaries who violate child-labour rules or ignore exemption conditions.

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