Péter Magyar was unequivocal before the election: if victorious, no new guest workers would enter Hungary from June onwards. Instead, the policy would lure high-value, high-productivity jobs. Yet swathes of the Hungarian economy rely heavily on such labour and would falter without it—not least agriculture.
Magyar government would suspend hiring of guest workers
István Kapitány, the incoming minister for the economy and energy, has outlined key pillars for the new Hungarian economic model. Among them: suspending the recruitment of guest workers, tightening rules on those already here, and overhauling state investment incentives.
Tisza politicians, including the prospective prime minister, have repeatedly stressed the need for high-wage, high-value jobs to stem the exodus of young Hungarians and workers to the West. The party also aims to draw hundreds of thousands of inactive people—estimates put the figure at 300,000 to 400,000—into the domestic labour market. This would allow the repatriation of roughly 120,000 to 130,000 guest workers, many of whom are, in fact, ethnic Hungarians.
Where the guest workers come from
A portion of Hungary’s non-EEA guest workers (legally third-country nationals) are native Hungarian speakers from neighbouring states: Serbia or Ukraine. Beyond them are Serbs and Ukrainians from those same countries. The third group hails from Southeast Asia.
According to the Central Statistical Office (KSH), in 2025, nearly 20,000 worked here from Ukraine, some 11,000 from the Philippines, 9,600 from China, and 7,000 to 8,000 each from Vietnam, Slovakia, and Romania. Indians number almost 5,000 in the Hungarian economy, followed by Turks, Russians, and Serbs, further behind. “Other” countries contribute more than 20,000.
Asian source countries are rising in prominence on a multi-year average. Compared to 2024, the sharpest growth was from China (+2,653), trailed by the Philippines (+1,445) and “other countries” (+1,001). India saw notable expansion too (+689), reports Pénzcentrum. By contrast, numbers from Ukraine and Romania are plummeting, as they head further west, even for seasonal work.
Sectors packed with guest workers
Most guest workers toil in administrative and support services, followed by manufacturing, trade, and vehicle repair. These few sectors account for the bulk. Yet many also staff healthcare and agriculture, both chronically short of labour.
The real cost of guest workers in Hungary: hidden tax traps many companies miss
In some, their work is indispensable. Lajos Braunmüller, editor-in-chief of Agrárszektor, argues that Hungarian agriculture could not sustain output using only domestic or EU labour. This holds especially for seasonal, back-breaking tasks. Livestock farming faces the same bind, with round-the-clock demands and often uncompetitive pay. Indian workers, for instance, staff the dairy sector. Agri-firms are typically content with Indians or Filipinos.
Domestic manufacturing, logistics, and construction would likewise stumble without them. An abrupt shift could cripple these industries, as mobilising the cited labour reserves would demand hefty investment. “Targeted measures would be essential for parents of young children, the elderly, those in deprived regions, and people with reduced work capacity,” notes Pénzcentrum. The backdrop is a shrinking Hungarian population, with fewer in work and more elderly dependents.
If you missed our previous, guest workers-related articles:
EU immigration hits record high as foreign-born population surpasses 64 million
Asian guest workers appear among waiters: Hungary’s hospitality sector struggles to fill jobs
The situation with the labor market and its impact on the regional economy is definitely a complex topic to follow. I often find myself reading these deep dives to stay informed, though it can get a bit heavy after a while. While I was discussing these economic shifts with some colleagues in Poland, someone mentioned https://casinokodpromocyjny.com/ as a simple way to take a quick mental break. I checked it out and found the interface very straightforward, which is perfect when you just need to decompress for a few minutes before getting back to the news. It has actually become a handy resource to have bookmarked for those moments when I need a quick reset. It is a nice way to clear the mind and stay focused while navigating through such important and detailed articles about the future of the workforce!