Economic reports from Belgian government and independent economic research organizations

Belgium Grants Sex Workers Full Rights, Including Maternity Leave, Pensions, and Right to Refuse Clients

Dec 1, 2024, 05:46 PM

On December 1, 2024, Belgium enacted a new law granting full employment rights to sex workers, including maternity leave, pensions, health insurance, sick days, and formal employment contracts. Sex workers now have the right to refuse clients and are provided with safety protections. Employers must obtain authorization, adhere to strict safety protocols, and pass background checks. This landmark legislation makes Belgium the first country in the world to treat sex work like any other profession, providing sex workers with the same labor rights as other employees. The law follows the decriminalization of sex work in Belgium in 2022 and aims to improve the safety and welfare of those in the industry by allowing them to sign official contracts and access benefits such as unemployment assistance, vacation time, and retirement pensions.