Belgium has become the first country in the world to offer full labor rights to sex workers, including access to pensions, health insurance, paid sick leave, and maternity benefits.
The new law, which came into effect following the country’s decision to decriminalize sex work in 2022, marks a historic step in recognizing sex work as legitimate labor.
Under the new regulations, sex workers are now entitled to the same legal protections as workers in other sectors, with access to essential benefits such as unemployment support and pensions.
The law also introduces standards for working hours, wages, and safety measures, providing crucial safeguards for those in the industry.
“This is an incredible step forward,” said Isabelle Jaramillo, coordinator of Espace P, an advocacy group involved in drafting the legislation. “It means their profession can finally be recognized as legitimate by the Belgian state.”
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The law also changes the dynamics for employers, requiring them to apply for state authorization to hire sex workers.
Previously, anyone who hired a sex worker was automatically considered a pimp, regardless of the nature of the arrangement.
Now, employers must meet strict safety protocols, including providing clean linens, condoms, hygiene products, and emergency buttons in workspaces.
While independent sex work remains legal, third-party hiring or any violation of the law will face prosecution.
Critics argue, however, that the law does not fully address the stigma surrounding sex work or the risks faced by undocumented sex workers.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Jaramillo said, highlighting the need for improved police and judicial training to better protect marginalized workers.
Despite these challenges, Belgium’s law sets a global precedent, far surpassing the legal frameworks seen in other countries like Germany and the Netherlands.