Just one-third of guest worker quota filled, says Hungary’s economy minister

Only about one-third of Hungary’s quota for guest workers has been filled, Economy Minister Mihály Varga said at an annual meeting of economists in Eger (NE Hungary).

Some 60,000 jobs remain unfilled in Hungary at present, Varga told the meeting on Saturday.

The government recently lifted restrictions on the employment in Hungary of foreign nationals from neighbouring countries that are not European Union members states, namely Ukraine and Serbia, in certain positions. The measure applies to a broad range of jobs including nurse, cashier, telecommunications engineer, software developer, cook, maid, electrician, CNC operator and furniture maker.

Tapping the potential of the 40,000-50,000 Hungarians in fostered work programmes could also ease the labour shortage, Varga said.

Hungary’s unemployment rate has fallen from 11 percent in 2010 to around 4 percent, while the number of employed Hungarians has risen from 3.8 million to 4.4 million, he said.

Do you know how much a priest earns in Hungary? Or a judge, a smith, a parking attendant, a sign language interpreter? You can find out about Hungarian wages per month from this collection.

Photo: MTI

Source: MTI