Signed resignation letter for a new single permit

Member since 05 July 2021

John DeytaMember05 July 2021 14:49:11

Hi all,

I currently work in Belgium with a single permit. I accepted an offer from another company. (Both of these companies are in the Flemish region).

The HR department of the new company told me that I need to provide a resignation letter signed by HR department of my current company in order for new company to apply for a new single permit. I told them my current notice period is 3 weeks, so if I resign now, there will be an unemployment gap as process time for a new single permit would take more than 3 weeks. (I don't want an unemployment gap). But the new company insist that they cannot apply for a new single permit without a signed resignation letter.

Then they (the new company) suggested me to talk with my current company to sign a resignation letter now, but for an end date of 9 weeks ahead. I don't know why my current company would accept this extension, as my official notice period is only 3 weeks.

I asked to the new employer why they need a "signed resignation letter" for a new single permit application, because nobody asked such a thing for the current single permit that I got last year. They told me it is a new procedure introduced a few months ago.

I don't know what to do, and I really appreciate your help.

Thanks.

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Priscilla ViP

Member since 30 May 2013

PriscillaViP06 July 2021 04:35:31

42358

Hi John Deyta,

Welcome to Expat.com

I hope that our community will help you with your questions very soon.

Priscilla
Expat.com Team

Avirup Ghosh Member

Member since 24 July 2021

Avirup GhoshMember24 July 2021 08:50:08

I am also facing the same situation

747dash8 Active member

Member since 02 June 2020

747dash8Active member25 July 2021 11:03:15

Your new company needs something concrete and official to know that you will actually resign from current company.

Since single permit renewal takes longer than your 3-weeks notice, there is no other option than to put a start and end date of your notice period on the letter. Your start date of notice period date can be some days later than the letter date, if you discuss this with your current manager and HR.

You can then share this signed official letter to your new company so they start the process of work permit.

All the best.

Cheers,
N

Thrilokhs Member

Member since 05 February 2021

ThrilokhsMember25 July 2021 11:43:06

Sometimes, it is asked by the administration to confirm that you will not be working in the previous company once the current work permit is revoked and the new one is issued.

In my case, I gave an undertaking that I will not work in the previous company once the work permit is revoked.

You can check if undertaking is okay with the ministry. Usually it should be okay.

Also ensure that you have to stop working within a week after your new SP application is submitted since the first level approval may be provided anytime after the application is submitted.

Hope this helps

John Deyta Member

Member since 05 July 2021

John DeytaMember25 July 2021 13:46:25

Okay here is the situation:

We picked a start date of September 13, and I signed a document that I will resign according to my notice period (3 weeks before it). They confirmed that this is enough for new SP application, and I do not need to inform my current company now.

But as far as I understand from some messages here, I have to stop working as soon as my new permit is approved. This is very confusing.

I was told that the new SP is valid by the start date stated in the job contract, which is September 13. Even if my new SP is approved somewhere in August, I can still continue working with my current employer.

John Deyta Member

Member since 05 July 2021

John DeytaMember25 July 2021 13:49:42

Hi Thriloks,

Thanks for your message.

I don't understand this part: "you have to stop working within a week after your new SP application is submitted"

I was told that new SP is valid from the start date, so I can continue working with my current SP until the last Friday before my new start date.

Could you please tell me where you learned this information?