Guest workers flood Hungary’s service sector
In recent years, foreign guest workers have become an increasingly familiar presence in Hungary, and they are now entering the service sector as well. According to a report by Nyugat.hu, two assistant workers from the Philippines are currently employed at the Lipóti Bakery on the main square in Szombathely. While a Hungarian employee took customer orders when the shop opened in the morning, the two foreign workers were given instructions in both Hungarian and English to prepare sandwiches and cappuccinos.
The report notes that such scenes are far from unusual in Budapest and Pécs, where it has become increasingly common for restaurant and café staff—bartenders and waiters included—to communicate exclusively in English. In the capital, Hungarian workers have virtually disappeared from the food delivery sector. For Szombathely, however, this development is relatively new, though it is likely to become commonplace before long.
Nobody knows exactly how many guest workers are in the country
There is considerable uncertainty surrounding the number of foreign workers in Hungary. Data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) indicates that around 93,000 guest workers were employed in 2023. By 2024, ministry estimates put the figure at 120,000. However, when questioned by Nyugat.hu, agencies including the National Employment Service (NFSZ), the Immigration and Asylum Office (OIF), the tax authority (NAV), and the Hungarian State Treasury declined to provide detailed information.
The lack of reliable data is striking, particularly given that Austria maintains precise records on how many Hungarians are employed in Vienna.
Part of this opacity may be linked to earlier government campaigns that fostered a negative public discourse around migration. As a result, open and transparent debate about guest workers remains limited. Yet experts have long argued that these workers are vital to the Hungarian economy. Without them, many factories would close, food delivery services would collapse, and even the daily running of bakeries could be jeopardised.
Guest workers well integrated in Szombathely
In Szombathely, guest workers have integrated smoothly into the rhythm of city life. They help ensure businesses operate efficiently and contribute to the diversity of the local community. Nonetheless, tensions can arise within companies between Hungarian employees and management, particularly as the foreign workers receive the same pay, yet their presence may contribute to the overall stagnation of wages.
The case for guest workers is reinforced by the high number of Hungarians working abroad. Estimates suggest that around half a million Hungarians are employed outside the country. According to Nyugat.hu, if even a quarter of them were to return, the demand for foreign labour would be significantly reduced.
Read also:
- Hardships continue: Filipina guest worker Rena faces deportation despite Hungarian husband and newborn child
- Are Filipino guest workers the future of Hungary?
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