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Influence of maternity and parental leave on acquiring Belgian citizenship?
Hi everyone, can someone answer the question, how maternity and parental leave influence the right to get Belgian citizenship? The thing is that from my point of view, condition of working 5 years uninterrupted cannot be fulfilled, as after 5 years living and "working" in Belgium, there would be maternity and parental leave (i.e. 4+1 months) in-between, where the work is interrupted.
It is about a non-EU citizen.
Would be very grateful for your explanation.
Thank you and stay safe!
When you're on maternity/paternity, you're still in the social security system, so no problems.
Besides, counting maternity leave against you would be discriminatory.
If you are on maternity or parental leave, you are still employed; so there is no interruption.
Going through this same thing right now. I was denied on the basis of parental leave whereas maternity leave did not count against me. I took 3 months of parental leave after my maternity leave was exhausted and then returned to work. I’m currently appealing the decision with a lawyer.
Hi, there!
I know several people personally who were denied their citizenship application by the communes (and it was different ones) because of the parental leave.
Apparently, communes are instructed not to consider applications with ANY break - even long sickness or parental leave - as non eligible. Maybe because the person who is not working does not pay taxes even being still considered employed.
You better consult with the NGO Obiectif (www.allrights.be) - they provide very good consultations based on the personal situation and it is for free.
Good luck,
D
