Employer cancels work contract at last minutes

It is difficult to answer correctly because we do not know the work you should have done. As well as the contract you signed. On the other hand, you would never have had to give your notice without having the work permit in hand.

Well to me, it looks like a consultant contract in IT...

Did you do an interview to another company than your "future" employer?
The reason I'm asking this, is because if that's the case, you might have just sign a proposal of contract, that will become a contract the moment your mission has been agreed by their customer. (Proposition de contrat in French and Contractvoorstel in Dutch)

If it's the case, nothing illegal should have been done as it was a proposal based on defined terms.
But if it was a real contract, then yes, you're right, they can't break it easily.


Yes, it will have an impact, as your current request will be canceled/rejected and you'll have to start again the process from the beginning.

Actually, it's a undetermined term work contract as a software engineer not a consultant. (VOLTIJDSE ARBEIDSOVEREENKOMST VOOR BEDIENDEN VOOR ONBEPAALDE TIJD) is the title of the document that was signed by both parties.