Understanding the Impact of Regulation Changes on Guest Worker Situations in Hungary
The Republic of the Philippines Added to List of Countries for Foreign Workers in Hungary
In a recent update published in the Official Gazette last Thursday, the government of Hungary has included the Republic of the Philippines in the new list of countries from which foreign workers can continue to arrive in Hungary. This decision comes as a relief for companies in Hungary, especially those who heavily rely on guest workers for their staffing needs.
According to Magdolna Mihályi, Managing Director of Jobtain HR Services, Filipino workers make up a significant portion of guest workers in Hungary after Ukrainians. The number of guest worker permits issued to Filipinos is also growing rapidly each year. However, companies that typically employ workers from countries like Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan will need to rethink their sourcing strategies as their current permits expire.
The government made changes to regulations on the employment of foreign workers in Hungary over Christmas. The maximum number of guest worker residence permits and permits for employment purposes has been capped at 35,000 for the year 2025. Additionally, the list of countries from which foreign workers can be imported has been reduced significantly.
The decree now allows nationals from countries like Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, and others to work as guest workers in Hungary. With the addition of the Philippines to the list, new opportunities have opened up for Filipino workers to come to Hungary for employment purposes.
The Philippine Government has also established an office in Hungary to represent the interests of Filipino workers and ensure compliance with Hungarian labor and immigration laws. This move is seen as a positive step towards strengthening the relationship between the two countries in terms of labor migration.
While the Hungarian labor pool remains stable, the need for guest workers continues to be high in certain industries. With the planned economic recovery, there will be an increased demand for foreign workers under strict regulations. Temporary employment agencies are focusing on retaining Hungarian nationals and increasing their numbers, but the import of guest workers will still be necessary to meet the demand in various sectors.
Overall, the inclusion of the Republic of the Philippines in the list of countries for foreign workers in Hungary brings new opportunities for both companies and workers. As the economy continues to recover, the need for skilled labor from abroad will play a crucial role in sustaining growth and development in Hungary.
