New language test requirements planned for Brussels jobseekers

The new Brussels government wants to introduce a mandatory language test for jobseekers to ensure that they speak at least one of the two regional languages - French or Dutch.

If a jobseeker fails the test, they would then have to take compulsory language courses.

Jobseekers can currently assess their Dutch and French language levels via a 30-minute computer test at the various Actiris branches in Brussels.

This test is currently optional but strongly encouraged by Actiris.

“The majority of job offers managed by Actiris have language requirements,” said Eric Hamesse, head of the language department at Actiris.

“Some people come to us and speak neither French nor Dutch. Our priority is to help them find courses in one of the two languages, because that’s really a step towards employment.”

People who speak neither French nor Dutch are estimated to make up 20% of those who register with Actris, according to spokesperson Romain Adam.

“Unlike Wallonia or Flanders, where there are still industrial jobs, Brussels is mainly a service city with jobs that require communication skills,” Adam said.

“Here, it’s therefore important to be able to get by in French or Dutch. Sometimes English alone is enough, but this isn’t the case in most situations.”

This is largely the reason why the newly-formed Brussels government wants to make language testing compulsory, along with language courses for those who fail.

While the details are not yet known, the region's new employment minister Laurent Hublet told RTBF that the aim is not to stigmatise people, “but to provide the best possible support to job seekers”.

Hublet said the language test is primarily a way of “objectifying things and seeing where people stand”.