Filipino guest workers’ salaries in Hungary revealed
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More than 10,000 Filipinos work in Hungary, often earning more in factories here than they would in high-skilled jobs back at home.
As Pénzcentrum reports, a recent Deutsche Welle video revealed how salaries in factories in the agricultural sector of Hungary often outperform intellectual positions in the Philippines. Last year, for example, guest workers were offered a net salary of EUR 550 per month, which for many was double what they would have made at home. Employees also receive other benefits that make the Hungarian labour market attractive: their employer pays for their plane ticket to Hungary, as well as providing a visa and insurance, and free living quarters in workers’ hostels.
Working in Hungary through guest workers’ eyes
The Deutsche Welle report highlights the stark wage differences between the two countries that make foreign work attractive for those in the Philippines. In the video, two female guest workers share their experiences in the Hungarian workforce.
One of them, who works three shifts in a factory in Eastern Hungary, said that a big difference between the two countries is in the work hours: in the Philippines, shifts usually exceed eight hours, so she is used to much longer workdays. This is why she feels able to take on multiple shifts. The salary is important because she is raising her two children alone, and while she graduated from university as a pharmacist, she makes twice as much as a factory worker here than she did back home. It is also a great benefit, she shares, that Hungary is a member of the European Union.
The other woman, who works on the same factory’s production line, is a chemical engineer. At home, she was a department manager of a company manufacturing household appliances, until due to the recession caused by the pandemic, she was fired. At 36 years old, she is considered too old to be hired, she stated, as most companies prefer those who are newly graduated, as they will work for much cheaper.
It’s a little odd to read that Hungarians, or Fidesz, only mention religion as similar culture/values. We all know what “religion” is the problematic one, but i really think culture goes beyond religion. Mexico, for example, a known country as catholic, is not really allow to mix religion with politics. the prime minister can manifest its belief but that doesn’t mean the church can interfere with political issues. People is not defined by its believe, and actually more and more people is turning to atheism or agnostic. Maybe in the future religions will not longer exist, but one thing is sure, if orban is still alive, he will blame anyone else from Hungarian issues.
The people whom I have been fortunate to call freinds who are Filipeno born, raised & educated are clean, honest, hard workers and great skills around food prep. They were not raised in a barbaric religion, have strong family and moral values.
If Hungary is smart, they will set up a program to help those who enjoy the Magyar culture to do part-time upgrading to be able to work in their proper career feild. And bring family. Hungary needs children to fill school seats etc. THAT would help Hungary’s economy by getting professionals that the tax payer does not have to educate for 15 years or so. Let those Hungarians who have been lazy at school or have no strong career goals do menial work. Put a whip on them to prevent sloth in the country of Magyar-born citizens. Don’t let what has happened in North America happen to the country where only outsiders work hard and locals become bums while still enjoying all of the infrastructure of the country. Hungary must stay relavent & competitive but mostly on the backs of their own people. Keep the bar high and the state financial help low to ensure that people don’t get complacent or idle. Can’t keep the culture if the country slides into irrelavance thru poverty.
When French were forcibly deported from Nova Scotia many ended up south of the border for generations, especially in Louisiana. USA. The blending of the culture, especially around cooking created a food that is amazing. Cajun cuisine. blends the best of the best of both very different cultures. Since Hungary is importing such an opportunity, they should learn the amazing pasteries that Filipino foodies make. Unlike the heavy stuff we love tht is traditional Magyar fair, they go for super light that melts in the mouth.
What a wonderul opportunity for both cultures!!!
check out a wonderfully interesting podcast on CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp) by a young man in Toronto (I blv) who’s nagymama tells him he is a bad Filipino prior to flying for home. so he does a deep dive in RECOVERING FILIPINO. His mom is a hoot. Had no idea they LOVE kariokee, I can’t even spell it. AND are great basketball players despite being short! Already knew that they love to feed people, and drink….
Ehhh. Hungarians speak funny, their lángos and gulyás is really nice, they LOVE their pálinka! Add to that their Gypsy orchestras and their prowess at swimming – really cool country!
Hope we are appreciated for more than this, abroad.