Belgium becomes first country to grant sex workers maternity leave and pensions

Sex workers in Nairobi. {David Njaaga,Standard]

Belgium has become the first country in the world to allow sex workers to sign formal employment contracts.

This new law grants sex workers access to benefits such as sick days, maternity leave, pensions, and other labour protections.

The law, which officially took effect on Sunday, also guarantees sex workers the right to refuse clients, set conditions for their services, and stop an act at any time.

"I am a very proud Belgian sex worker right now," said Mel Meliciousss, a member of UTSOPI, the union of Belgian sex workers. On Instagram, she praised the changes, saying they offer more protection to people already in the industry and those planning to join.

Belgium decriminalised sex work in 2022, ensuring that sex workers were no longer penalised for seeking support from third parties like landlords or drivers. This law builds on that step, offering sex workers the same labour rights as other professions.

Sex workers now have access to unemployment benefits, health insurance, family support, annual leave, and maternity pay. Employers must also meet strict requirements, including maintaining sanitary premises, providing panic buttons, and refraining from dismissing workers for refusing clients or specific acts.

These protections apply only to sex workers with formal employment contracts, not to those who are self-employed. Workers in related industries, such as pornography and striptease, are also excluded from the law.

According to UTSOPI, this law addresses long-standing inequalities. Before its introduction, sex workers felt compelled to work late into their pregnancies or beyond retirement age.

 “This law is a huge step forward, ending legal discrimination against sex workers,” the union stated.

Globally, only a few countries have decriminalised sex work, including New Zealand, the Netherlands, and parts of Australia. However, Belgium is the first to provide such comprehensive labour protections.

In Kenya, sex work is not criminalised under the Penal Code. However, third parties who profit from it or those soliciting for immoral purposes can face legal action.