Hungarian workers allegedly replaced by cheap guest workers: Orbán cabinet responds

guest workers
Hungary is witnessing a historic surge in the number of foreign workers, and new figures reveal a dramatic shift in the origins of its migrant labour force. Source: depositphotos.com

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Portfolio recently reported a growing trend in Hungary: companies are dismissing Hungarian workers to hire cheaper guest workers instead. For example, Debrecen’s CATL laid off 150-200 Hungarian employees to fill their roles with foreign labour. The Hungarian National Economy Ministry issued a lengthy statement in response to media reports highlighting this controversial practice. The ministry said there was “absolutely no correlation” between a decline in the number of people employed in Hungary and the number of guest workers from countries outside of the European Union.

Hungarian workforce replaced by guest workers?

According to Telex, Portfolio revealed that the Hungarian economy is struggling, forcing companies to cut local jobs to protect profits. The number of employed Hungarians has dropped to 4.5 million—the lowest in three years—while the number of foreign workers in Hungary has climbed to a historic high of 105,000.

Interestingly, Hungary no longer attracts workers mainly from neighbouring countries. Instead, guest workers come from more distant places such as the Philippines, Vietnam, India, China, Türkiye, and Russia. Ukrainians form the largest foreign workforce in Hungary, with over 20,000 workers, followed by Filipinos (9,500) and Vietnamese (8,700).

  • In an unexpected turn, CATL in Debrecen dismisses Hungarian workers to allegedly make room for guest workers

Portfolio noted that Hungary’s appeal has shifted away from neighbouring EU countries and Serbia, now drawing mostly from what it calls “third world countries.”

  • Middle-aged Chinese guest worker suspected of raping an underage Hungarian girl in Debrecen

Ministry talks about false conclusions of the Hungarian media

The National Economy Ministry addressed reports on the local labour market “based on false conclusions” in a statement issued on Wednesday. The ministry said there was “absolutely no correlation” between a decline in the number of people employed in Hungary and the number of guest workers from countries outside of the European Union.

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