On his Facebook page, David MBombo expressed his joy at staying in Belgium with the three-word message “We won”. As a teacher of religion, originally from Congo, he had been working at the brainoise school since September 2022. However, like many other unnamed foreign teachers, his contract ended in July and August, causing issues with his residence documents. “Our work contract corresponds to our work permit, and therefore also to our residence permit. When the work year ends, our work and residence contract also ends,” he explained. Unfortunately, the school had to terminate his contract, but this sparked a petition that collected 13,000 signatures and caught the attention of responsible ministers. Xavier Cambron, the director of Cardinal Mercier College, praised his success and hoped it would set a precedent for other people in similar situations. David Mbombo is set to return to teach his students next Tuesday.
The news is on the front page of his Facebook page. “We won”. In three words, David MBombo shares his happiness at staying in Belgium. “I feel like I’m coming back to life, I feel free, it’s something that was taken from me by force.”
Originally from Congo, the religion teacher had been teaching since September 2022 in the brainoise school. Like many unnamed teachers, his contract ended in July and August. An interruption that wreaked havoc on his residence documents. “For us, foreign teachers, our work contract corresponds to our work permit, and therefore also to our residence permit. When the work year ends, our work and residence contract also ends.”
Regrettably, the school therefore had to terminate his contract. In a petition addressed to the responsible ministers, 13,000 signatures were collected. Xavier Cambron is the director of Cardinal Mercier College.
“There are identical situations, whether teachers or educators. He got away with it and so much the better! If it might be of more use to other people in his situation, that would be very good too.”
David Mbombo will return to class and meet these students next Tuesday.
David Mbombo’s victory in staying in Belgium is a triumph for all foreign teachers facing similar challenges. His story highlights the importance of human empathy and unity in times of struggle. The show of support from the petitioners demonstrates that we are stronger together, and that every voice counts. May David’s successful fight serve as a beacon of hope for those facing similar immigration issues, and may we continue to fight for justice and fairness for all.
