Finding Work Abroad as Hungarian Unemployment Rate Spikes

The number of Hungarians moving to the UK has steadily increased since 2008. According to data from Statista, there were just under 25,000 Hungarians living in the UK back then. By 2021, that number had risen to more than 118,000. Although Brexit has impacted the number of Hungarians moving to the UK, estimates cited by the Immigration Advice Service put the figure at no less than 100,000.

Reasons to Relocate

Given that unemployment in Hungary was at its highest point in almost four years at the start of 2024, the prospect of moving abroad to find work is certainly appealing. Even though the UK economy has been suffering the effects of a recession like countries across Europe, it’s traditionally been strong. Indeed, when you compare salaries, the UK average is more than double that of Hungary’s, according to WorldData.info.

Moving is, of course, easier said than done. Not only do you need a place to stay and money to facilitate the move, you need a job. In fact, a job offer is important because you almost always need one to obtain a visa. The UK has various visas you can apply for, each with a specific set of requirements.

This is where people who are serious about relocating for work need to enlist the services of qualified immigration lawyers. Companies, such as London-based Reiss Edwards, not only understand the UK’s immigration laws but devise a plan based on an individual’s needs. What’s more, because they work with companies such as Samsung and TM Lewin, these immigration lawyers understand the visa process from both sides. They know what companies must do to hire foreign workers and vice versa. This gives them the ability to identify potential issues before they arise and streamline the process.

Mistakes Cost Time

This alone is important because, as is often the case with bureaucratic processes, things take time. Even if things go smoothly, the average visa application for someone wanting to work in the UK can take eight weeks. Therefore, you can’t afford to make any mistakes, one reason to consider working with an immigration lawyer. Get things right from the start, and new opportunities will be more accessible than if you try to navigate the application process alone.

Speaking of opportunities, a quick look through the UK government’s official database shows almost 600 jobs when you input the variables: skilled+worker+visa. This figure changes all the time, but it’s an indication of what’s available if you have, for example, a Skilled Worker visa. From social care and healthcare to accounting, engineering, and IT, there are plenty of job opportunities for people willing to relocate. Moving countries is more than a paper exercise.

You need the right paperwork to make the move, but you also need a certain mentality. British culture is different in certain ways from Hungarian culture. Therefore, you need to be prepared for a different way of life both at work and at home. If you’re prepared for this and you get your affairs in order, there are job opportunities overseas. With Hungary’s employment market going through a slump at the moment, now could be a great time to assess these opportunities and see what the UK has to offer.