Shocking proposal: Hungary plans ban on non-EU guest workers starting 1 January
The Hungarian government is poised to implement significant restrictions on the employment of non-EU guest workers, starting 1 January 2025, according to 444.hu. A proposal to tighten regulations could be discussed at Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, marking a sharp shift in policy. The move aims to address growing domestic discontent over the increasing presence of foreign workers.
Key measures in the proposal
As to 444.hu reports, under the draft regulation, no new work permits would be issued to third-country nationals, except those from Georgia. Additionally, existing two-year work permits with a one-year extension option would lose this renewal flexibility. The new rules could effectively ban non-EU workers from Hungary, with only minimal exceptions.
Political pressure and public sentiment
The issue was a focal point during Monday’s parliamentary session. László Toroczkai, leader of Mi Hazánk, criticized the surge in guest workers, highlighting their dominance in food delivery jobs and accusing the government of prioritising foreign employment over opportunities for Hungarians. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán responded firmly, asserting:
“If their working hours are up, they must leave the country… As long as I’m Prime Minister, all guest workers will go home.”
Sources suggest the decision is largely political, driven by complaints from influential Fidesz politicians representing rural areas. They face mounting pressure from voters who are uneasy about the sudden influx of guest workers. Concerns include fears over public safety and the perception that foreign labour is taking jobs from locals.
Efforts to delay implementation
The proposal has already sparked behind-the-scenes lobbying. Some are pushing for a later implementation date—1 July 2025—while others advocate for exceptions for workers from countries like the Philippines, a significant source of labour for Hungary in recent years.
Context: Hungary’s guest worker market
Hungary already has the strictest guest worker regulations in Europe, as Orbán emphasised in parliament. If enacted, these new measures would solidify its position further, signalling a strong stance against labour migration from outside the EU.
Read also:
- Tax benefits change, 3rd-country guest workers will earn less in 2025 in Hungary!
- The influx of guest workers in Hungary decreased significantly this year
Featured image: depositphotos.com
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3 Comments
Ahhh … Red meat for the masses … I am sure the various investors with significant work forces will be most impressed .
Very curious regarding all the various exemptions for Russians, Koreans, Chinese, Filipinos our Politicians will no doubt be arranging, despite the rhetoric.
What does the ban on non-EU guest workers say about prospects for economic expansion? If you want you can indulge in Fidesz happy talk propaganda or you can look at facts and face reality.
Orban, the Fidesz Government – broaden this subject to Migration / Immigration – that ALREADY this Orban Government – are enforcing LAWS – that for HUMANS, of ALL age groups, from non European Union countrys – from countrys that are DEMOCRATIC – that is saying – don’t bother even applying to Hungary, go away, get out of Hungary, your residency permit / residency card(s) – WILL not be RE-NEWED.
This is FACT.
WE are retired of FINANCIL independence – private medical coverage – NO drain on the GOOD people of Hungary, there TAXES, that we have LIVED with for (7) seven years – but it appears, from the advice of our Hungarian Immigration Lawyer, the chances of our remaining to live under the status of a Residency Permit, that are issued for a (2) two year period, that post 30th June 2025 – our chances of remaining to live in Hungary – are STUFFED.
Retired – from a birth country of DEMOCRACY – non European Union Membership – that we are being, our background GROUP – this Orban Government have TARGETED us because of the word applied to US – in our DNA – that is DEMOCRACY.
Appalling and additional DAMAGE to Hungary.