New Guest Worker Restrictions Imposed by Hungarian Government starting 2025
From the 1st of January 2025, the Hungarian government is set to implement significant changes to the Migrant Workers Act, resulting in stricter regulations for workers from non-EU countries. These changes aim to ensure that guest workers are able to return to their home countries and to narrow down the countries from which workers can come.
Under the new amendments, it is no longer sufficient for the country of origin of guest workers to simply promise to take them back. The government is now demanding a stronger guarantee that workers will actually leave Hungary once their permits expire.
According to a report by Telex, the list of countries of origin for guest workers has been revamped. While countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Mongolia were previously included, only Georgia and Armenia are now eligible to send guest workers to Hungary. This revision significantly limits the options for workers to come to the country.
Additionally, a maximum framework for guest workers from 2025 has been announced by the Hungarian Ministry of National Economy. The number of residence permits issued will be capped at 35,000 per year, including permits for both guest workers and employment purposes. This move is aimed at controlling the number of guest workers and aligning it with economic needs.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized that these changes were not unexpected and countries that have not committed to readmitting guest workers cannot expect Hungary to accept their workers from 2025. Despite the government’s decision, the business community involved in the employment of guest workers was taken by surprise as there was no prior consultation on the impact these changes could have on the economy.
The stricter regulations are motivated by concerns for the protection and stability of Hungary’s labor market and social inclusion issues. The new guest worker law introduces stringent measures to restrict the countries of origin of workers, limit the number of permits issued, and ensure the return of workers to their home countries.
While these changes are driven by strategic objectives, they may present unforeseen challenges for operators and companies. How the government handles feedback from economic operators and the labor market will be crucial in the upcoming period.
