Hundreds of guest workers in Hungary expected for new battery factory — recruitment starts soon
As Hungary ramps up its role in Europe’s electric vehicle supply chain, the surge in foreign investment is bringing not just factories, but also foreign labour. In Debrecen, where CATL’s massive battery plant is nearing production, the arrival of guest workers in Hungary is becoming a key element in addressing labour shortages and meeting tight deadlines.
Mass recruitment of guest workers in Hungary
Construction at CATL’s Debrecen battery factory is progressing swiftly, with test production of battery cells expected to begin this autumn. As Portfolio reports, the company plans to start full-scale battery cell production by the end of the year, but with only 650 full-time employees currently on board, CATL faces a significant workforce shortfall. To bridge this gap, the company has turned to international hiring, bringing in guest workers from abroad, including the Philippines, with 50 arriving this May and potentially 500 by year-end.
Workforce remains mostly local
The use of guest workers in Hungary is not unique to CATL, but their presence has become increasingly visible as large-scale investments from automotive and battery manufacturers surge in the region. Forbes highlights that up to a quarter of CATL’s required workforce for 2025 may be made up of foreign labour, primarily Filipinos, working under fixed-term contracts. Meanwhile, experts from China are also onsite to help train Hungarian staff, though the long-term goal remains a workforce comprised of at least 70% local employees.
Cooperation with universities
To support this vision, CATL is working closely with educational institutions like the University of Debrecen and the University of Miskolc to build a sustainable talent pipeline. Strategic partnerships with vocational and research centres aim to prepare Hungarian workers for the high-tech demands of battery production. Yet, until that local workforce matures, the use of guest workers in Hungary will continue to play a pivotal role in keeping production on track.
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- How much can guest workers earn in Hungary?
- Hungarian employer denies mass recruitment of Filipino guest workers
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