In 2016, there were approximately 15,500 French temporary workers in Belgium, an increase of 16% compared to 13,385 in 2015, according to data from Federgon, Belgian federation of staffing agencies.

Most of the French temp workers were in the West Flanders province.

"This is not a new phenomenon, it has always existed, but the tight labour market in West Flanders caused the increase," Paul Verschueren, Research & Economic Affairs Director, Federgon, said.

Of the 15,500 workers in Belgium, more than 5,000 of them lived in France.

"Because of this shortage, most temporary workers are coming from northern France, where the economy is more difficult. People from Northern France also travel quite easily from there and enjoy working in Flanders and have no problem with the transfer," Verschueren said.