WELDI baseline report

Migrant population
39,134 (20%) hold a foreign nationality, 60,000 are born abroad (31%).
Asylum seekers and refugees - there are 3 reception centres for
asylum seekers around Liège.
A significant number of undocumented migrants - 559 undocumented
migrants used night shelters in 2022.
Economic migrants from EU and non-EU countries.
Challenges and needs
The multitude of actors and services related to reception and integration
-between different city departments, administrations and civil
society- is difficult to navigate for newcomers.
Some actors and services do not exploit the full potential for cooperation,
e.g. between integration and mainstream employment services.
▷ Learn from other experiences on setting up one-stop-shops for
migrants and in providing guidance.
Migrants face difficulties in entering the labour market, including
through their administrative situation, employers’ mindsets, the lack of
childcare and racism.
Socio-economic context
Liège is a growing cultural and education hub.
The city has gone through a major urban and economic process of restructuring
in the past two decades.
Lowest per capita income of all Walloon municipalities and a high number
of minimum income beneficiaries.
▷ Exchange about innovative ways to use the social economy for
labour market integration.
In spite of the city council’s inclusive policy, e.g. in providing healthcare,
migrants without a residence permit face many obstacles in accessing
rights, e.g. in housing.
▷ Share experiences with other cities interested in developing local
ID cards as a tool to guarantee fundamental rights for all residents.
8.4% unemployment (Liège Province, 2022).
WELDI - Baseline report Liège, BE 39