guest workers

Unforeseen: Hungarian guest workers are leaving Austria – here is why

Austria has always been one of the most beloved destinations of Hungarian workers, but in the last month, there has been a significant change. Statistics show that many of them left Austria in March, which raises important questions about the potential return of work labour to Hungary.

Hungarian guest workers leave Austria

According to Világgazdaság, more than 2000 Hungarian guest workers left Austria in March. The numbers of the Österreichische Sozialverschierung show that in February, more than 126 thousand Hungarians were working in the country, but by the end of March, their number decreased by more than 2000. However, this change is not shocking considering that last year, approximately 8000 Hungarians left Austria between August and November.

Austria has two main sources of labour: Germany and Hungary. Approximately, they both provide the same number of workers, even though Germany has a population of 83 million, as opposed to the 10 million people of Hungary. In March, there were 127 thousand German guest workers in Austria, surpassing the Hungarians by only 3000.

Their number also fluctuates from year to year: in 2023, there were 122 thousand Germans, and a year later, this number increased to 127 thousand. In March, there were approximately 997 thousand guest workers altogether in Austria, 3000 more than in February. This means that in Austria with a population of 9,1 million, every 9th person is not an Austrian citizen.

Are they going back to Hungary from Austria?

construction wages of manual workers — Photo: Pixabay

These statistics raise several questions. First of all, are these people going back to Hungary? The answer is not as simple as we may think. Most of the work in Austria is seasonal, meaning that guest workers go back and forth between the two countries regularly.

Many of them live and work close to the border, but Vienna is not the number one destination, as the southern region is also popular, as well as Burgenland. The demand for Hungarian workers in Austria is quite high, as there are employers who launch courses in Hungarian to attract workers.

This is a serious problem as Hungary has been suffering from a labour shortage, even though the number of foreign workers in the country is quite high. Gazsi Attila, the vice president of VOSZ, told portfolio.hu that encouraging Hungarian guest workers to come home is a key element in expanding the job market, as their new skills, and industrial and advanced method practices could increase the productivity of the domestic workforce.

Encouraging them to come home is key

Meaning, it is important that the decision-makers support the development of programs that facilitate the return and integration of those affected. He also stated that for now, economic growth is unimaginable without the involvement of foreign workers, due to the increasing number of unfulfilled jobs. This means that Hungarians do not lose their jobs because of them, they help maintain the development of domestic businesses and support establishing new ones.

Although the numbers may seem specific, for now, we can’t really tell the foreseeable consequences, as it is plausible that in the coming months, the number of Hungarian guest workers will continue to decrease, just to start increasing in the summer again, as it usually does due to the seasonal quality of the Austrian labour market.

Read also:

Highly-skilled Hungarian workers fleeing the country – read here
Guest workers paid millions in Hungary?

May 2, 2024

Foreign workers at Wolt Hungary: courier and restaurant manager chime in – and they are not happy

In the last few days, the employment of foreign workers at Wolt Hungary came under scrutiny. As we wrote in a recent article, the food delivery company stated that their experience with foreign workers is positive and that they diligently address any delivery-related inconveniences based on user feedback. However, a former courier and a restaurant manager, who reacted to the company’s claims, have provided contrasting perspectives on the matter, painting a bleaker picture.

Setting the stage: addressing questions on foreign workers at Wolt Hungary

As we reported, Világgazdaság magazine asked Wolt Hungary regarding the number of guest workers at the courier company. Wolt clarified that their food couriers are not employees but rather partners with service contracts. Therefore, Wolt Hungary does not, in the legal sense, employ guest workers.

Furthermore, Wolt Hungary stated that they do not collect information on nationality during courier recruitment, affirming their policy of non-discrimination based on national background, be it positive or negative.

Overall, Wolt Hungary asserted that their experience with foreign workers has been positive, emphasising their commitment to ongoing monitoring of customer feedback to ensure delivery satisfaction.

Former Wolt courier and store manager speak out

Following their report, Index.hu received a letter from a reader claiming to be a former courier of the company, complaining about foreign workers at Wolt Hungary. They wrote:

“Not only do the [foreigner] “colleagues” [quotation marks from the writer of the letter – ed.] not speak Hungarian, but often they even lack a basic knowledge of English. Typically, they communicate their order by showing their phone to restaurant staff. They are very unkempt both when it comes to work ethic and hygiene; we don’t stand near them when waiting in a restaurant because of the noticeable odours. Besides, they also handle orders in a way that I, for example, never would.”

Index.hu also interviewed the manager of a fast-food restaurant, who lamented:

“For the past six months, our restaurant has been full of Asian couriers, who come into our bathroom every half a minute without permission, help themselves to our lemonade without asking and about thirty of them park their bikes in front of the restaurant. They don’t even deliver food from us to the customers, they just hang out there and use our infrastructure.”

“I’ve gone to talk to them fifty times, none of them understand what I’m saying, they don’t speak English nor Hungarian… I’ve notified Wolt at least twenty times, I’ve also talked to their contact person, but they still don’t f—ing do anything…”

Index reports that they spent approximately three-quarters of an hour in the restaurant conducting a brief investigation into the prevailing conditions. While acknowledging the impracticality of drawing conclusions from such a short observation, the author notes that around 90% of the food couriers entering the restaurant during this period appeared to be from South Asia and Vietnam – how they came to this assumption is unclear since the article does not indicate that everyone was asked about their country of origin.

The author attempted to talk to two Vietnamese delivery guys, but they were unable to reply in either Hungarian or English. Instead, they indicated their orders by showing their phones at the counter. However, the author did not witness any incidents of lemonade theft or unauthorized use of the bathrooms during their visit.

Foreign workers or management: addressing the real issue

In addition to concerns regarding the hygiene and work ethic of foreign employees at Wolt Hungary, along with their limited knowledge of English and Hungarian, the letter addressed to Index highlights a more systemic problem.

According to the writer, foreign workers find employment through fleet companies. These companies hire workers in groups, often at meagre wages (allegedly half the rate of Hungarian workers) and swiftly dissolve to evade taxation. Then, a new fleet is set up and the cycle continues.

“Today, we receive 30-40 percent less for the same workload compared to a year ago, despite significant inflation. […] Those of us who used to work 10-12 hours daily can no longer make ends meet with our ever-decreasing wages, while migrant workers are willing to accept lower rates.”

The former courier predicts that soon, Wolt Hungary and other courier companies will predominantly employ foreign workers, as their contracting costs are considerably lower.

As the writer of the letter points out, the company’s management prioritises profit, so for them, the use of cheap labour from abroad is more lucrative than paying higher wages to Hungarian couriers, even if there are problems with the workforce.

Presumably, for this reason, the company does not enforce language proficiency requirements for contractors, nor do they sponsor language courses. Similarly, couriers, irrespective of nationality, who work cheaply but inadequately are often retained despite complaints.

Read also:

McDonald’s in Hungary: Popular fast food chain expands further in Hungary – HERE
VIDEO: What’s happening in Hungary? Food delivery rider on the motorway – Read HERE

April 26, 2024

Wolt in Hungary exposed: Is the food delivery sector really filled with guest workers?

Picture this: You’ve ordered dinner on an app, and the courier who delivered your food didn’t know Hungarian or even English. No worries, you managed to communicate with an “enjoy” and “thank you”. You might have had a similar experience before with Wolt in Hungary. Indeed, it’s a common impression that there are a lot of foreigners among the delivery people in the country. Let’s delve into this claim below.

Világgazdaság.hu asked the Wolt courier company whether they employ guest workers and, if so, what the ratio of foreign and Hungarian workers among their delivery people is. The company responded to the news site’s questions in writing.

Wolt in Hungary emphasised that anyone can be a food courier who lives in the country and that they do not keep records of their employees’ countries of origin. The company currently has contracts with more than 8,000 active courier partners on a monthly basis.

Are there many foreign couriers employed by Wolt in Hungary? – The company responds

First and foremost, Wolt in Hungary pointed out that since the couriers are not employees of the company, but delivery partners with a service contract, we cannot talk about the employment of guest workers in their case. Couriers contract with the company as sole proprietors, through cooperatives (e.g. a student organisation) or through a fleet partner.

As Wolt in Hungary explained, “Courier companies are often associated with foreigners, as it is easier to spot them on the street or meet them when they deliver our orders.”

At the same time, the company highlights that they do not ask for information regarding one’s nationality when hiring couriers, as “Neither [their] system nor [the] company’s mentality allows any kind of negative or positive discrimination – regardless of gender, age, work membership form or country of origin.”

In response to the questions from Világgazdaság, however, they wrote that overall their experiences with workers who are not Hungarian have been positive and that they are constantly monitoring customer feedback to ensure that there are no complaints about the speed or manner of deliveries.

Why is working as a courier a great source of income for some?

At the same time, there are several reasons why becoming Wolt couriers in Hungary might be an attractive prospect for workers from foreign countries.

As Wolt in Hungary explains, the cost of entry for the job is relatively low: it is enough if the applicant has a bicycle, as knowledge of the Hungarian language is not necessary. In addition, working hours are extremely flexible. Couriers can undertake the delivery of as many orders as they wish whenever they have some free time. For example, there are contractors at the company who run errands for 1 hour every two weeks or every month.

This allows Wolt couriers in Hungary to study or have full-time jobs and take on delivery as a source of extra income on the side.

The company also highlights this possibility: “Regardless of nationality, courier partners in many cases regard delivery services as an opportunity to earn an additional income,” often as a short-term solution for financial troubles.

Világgazdaság also wanted to know how Wolt in Hungary finds foreign workers and what proportion of the total number of couriers they make up, as well as how much customer demand the company has, how many sales it closed last year and this year and what its expectations are regarding price increases in the coming months. However, these questions were not answered.

Read also:

Guest workers: new law may simplify Chinese and Russian immigration to Hungary – Read the story HERE

Will food delivery couriers disappear from Hungary due to drone delivery? – Read more HERE

April 24, 2024

Guest workers: new law may simplify Chinese and Russian immigration to Hungary

guest worker workers guest workers in Hungary Orbán cabinet

Several proposals were submitted to the Parliament that would simplify the employment process of guest workers in Hungary. The amendments are said to be needed due to the increased labour demand related to the expansion of the Paks II nuclear power plant and the construction of the railway line between Budapest and Belgrade.

A number of minor legislative amendment proposals were submitted to the Parliament by the Business Development Committee, Index.hu reports. Among the possible changes, the one that is the most attention-catching is related to the expansion of the Paks nuclear power plant and the renovation of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line.

Third-country guest workers to get residence permits more easily

As the news site writes, the amendment would simplify the process through which guest workers from a third country (that is, from outside the European Union) receive a residence permit for the purpose of employment in Hungary. The goal of the new legislation is to secure the extra manpower that is needed for the two projects as soon as possible.

Currently, based on the Immigration Act, the residence permit for workers from third countries is valid until the completion of the development they are employed in, or for a maximum of three years.

Based on the new laws, guest workers involved with the Paks II and Budapest-Belgrade projects could receive a residence permit for up to five years, and even their family members would be able to apply for a residence permit in the country through a simplified procedure.

Népszava explains that while the extension of the Paks-related permits is understandable since the reactors will be completed by 2035 at the earliest, the possibility that the construction of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line will take another five years is a surprise.

There are currently 120,000 guest workers in Hungary, but the Orbán government would consider it necessary to import 300,000 or even half a million guest workers in the coming years, Népszava reports.

Index.hu points out that Sándor Czomba, the state secretary responsible for employment policy, said in an interview a few days ago that guest workers will not displace Hungarians from their jobs.

Do the simplifications pose a security risk?

Railway Hungary Budapest-Belgrade — Photo: FB

As Népszava, who noticed the law amendment proposal, highlights, there is no legal restriction on which workers from which countries would benefit from the amendment. However, based on the background of the investments, in the case of Paks, mostly Russian workers can be expected to come to Hungary, while in the case of the Budapest-Belgrade railway line, it is mainly Chinese workers who will likely be employed.

The paper therefore states:

“The Orbán government’s proposal on simplified employment for Chinese and Russian citizens also poses a national security risk, since the secret services of the two countries are active in Hungary, for whom these laws will provide a simplified access to the European Union.”

Read also:

Atomexpo 2024 in Sochi: Hungarian Foreign Minister announces another milestone at the Paks nuclear power plant – HERE
SHOCKING: Hungary’s guest worker numbers exposed! – Read HERE

Featured image: depositphotos.com

April 22, 2024

SHOCKING: Hungary’s guest worker numbers exposed!

Hungary"s population Hungary guest workers government ban golden visa guest workers in Hungary

The Ministry of Economy stated that, based on their data, there are currently 120,000 guest workers in Hungary. However, recent statistics from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) present significantly lower figures.

As reported by Portfolio, the Department for National Economy has suggested that around 120,000 guest workers are currently in active employment in Hungary. Conversely, the KSH analysis reveals that in 2023, the count of employees with foreign citizenship rose by 11,700 to 92,700 compared to the previous year. This increase is attributed to a significant influx of workers from third-world countries.

This figure is nearly 30,000 lower than the one reported by the Ministry of National Economy. The influx of foreign workers in the country has been growing at an accelerating rate since 2021, as per the Hungarian Central Statistical Office.

According to Index, State Secretary Czomba Sándor stressed that guest workers are only permitted in occupations facing shortages where local and EU labour is insufficient. Hungarian job protection measures include quotas, country lists and restrictions on substituting long-term workers with guest workers.

Legislations aims to prevent the erosion of Hungarian wages by ensuring that the remuneration for third-country nationals does not significantly differ from the national average, thus maintaining competitiveness for Hungarian workers in the labour market.

How does the number add up?

In Hungary, there is a notable influx of workers from the Philippines, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan, while the numbers from Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania are dwindling. The Filipino workforce has seen a remarkable surge from 1,100 in 2022 to nearly 6,300 in 2023.

This trend solidifies Hungary’s position as a significant destination for foreign workers, with Vietnamese and Kyrgyz nationals also constituting a considerable portion of the incoming workforce. Despite this surge, Hungary boasts the lowest proportion of third-country workers among the Visegrád Group (V4), with only 2.6% of the workforce comprising foreign nationals, compared to 3.8% in Slovakia, 6.4% in Poland and 17% in the Czech Republic.

Why opt for guest workers?

According to Portfolio, Hungary is facing a labour shortage that experts believe will worsen in the coming years due to a declining working-age population and heightened demand from expanding industries.

Both employers and workers agree that importing guest workers is necessary, albeit they differ on the approach. Trade unions advocate for stricter regulations, while company representatives prioritise access to foreign labour.

As of February, there were 80,000 unfilled jobs in Hungary, yet the quota for guest workers this year is set at 65,000, with only an anticipated 45,000 to 50,000 permits to be used. The regulated inflow of labour is deemed necessary, yet safeguarding Hungarian jobs remains a priority.

The dwindling Hungarian workforce is highlighted by instances of Hungarian workers being replaced by foreigners in certain companies. The consensus is that the labour shortage can only be mitigated through the employment of guest workers.

Read also:

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April 18, 2024

Highly-skilled Hungarian workforce fleeing the country – cause for concern?

Hungarian workforce - Passport Travel Luggage

Both the emigration rate and the number of Hungarians working abroad remain high. Despite the availability of 70,000 unfilled jobs in the Hungarian market, many in the Hungarian workforce try their luck abroad due to higher real wages and better living conditions.

Pénzcentrum.hu recently explored trends in the foreign employment of the Hungarian workforce, highlighting in its article that:

“emigration and employment abroad is a decades-old phenomenon and has a clear negative impact on the Hungarian economy.”

The news site reached out to Attila Katkics, a business consultant and HR specialist, who highlighted various factors influencing emigration, including economic recession, social disparities, high inflation, persistently low real wages, corruption as well as deficiencies and deterioration in the health and social systems. All these factors can well contribute to the outflow of the Hungarian workforce.

Worker Factory Job — Photo: Facebook.com/szijjarto.peter.official

Considering the advantages offered by host countries, such as improved working conditions, better work-life balance, more leisure time, career advancement opportunities and higher professional recognition, it’s no surprise that many find working abroad attractive.

The Hungarian workforce on the international market: trends and characteristics

Germany, Austria, and England (despite its exit from the European Union) emerge as the top destinations for Hungarian workers, with around 400,000 Hungarians residing in these countries, a significant portion of whom are employed.

Additionally, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia also host a substantial number of Hungarian workers. Moreover, over 100,000 individuals living in Hungary commute to neighbouring countries for work.

Hungary salary worker — Photo: facebook.com/szijjarto.peter.official

Typically, working abroad is common among younger individuals, singles, childless couples and recent graduates. Katkics distinguished between three groups of employees who work in foreign countries: highly qualified professionals, skilled workers on shorter-term assignments and seasonal workers engaged in temporary border-area contracts.

highly qualified professionals (the “victims” of the brain drain process), who often settle for several years or even for the rest of their lives in the host country,
skilled workers who work abroad for a shorter period of time,
seasonal workers, who typically do contract labour for only one or two months, usually near the border of Hungary.

Brain drain severely affects the Hungarian workforce severely

In Hungary, the emigration rate among highly educated individuals stands at almost 7 percent, as highlighted by the HR specialist. Pénzcentrum noted that in 2022, the country experienced a substantial outflow of highly qualified Hungarian workforce, posing a significant challenge to the economy. This exodus results in a loss of valuable expertise, skills and creativity that could otherwise be utilised domestically.

“One of Hungary’s most pressing problems is that we are one of the countries least able to retain their talent”

– Attila Katkics explained.

While it is unrealistic and impractical to completely halt emigration, policymakers should aim to diminish both the quantity and quality of emigration from the Hungarian workforce.

Encouraging the return of expatriates should be a priority, as they bring back fresh perspectives, knowledge, ideas, foreign contracts and social capital, which could greatly benefit the Hungarian economy.

Read also:

Striking it rich: Guest workers paid millions in Hungary? – HERE

Russian discount chain recruiting in Hungary with dream salaries! – Read HERE

April 17, 2024

Striking it rich: Guest workers paid millions in Hungary?

By January 2024, the number of guest workers in Hungary had likely reached over 100,000. The workers’ employment is diverse: some are occupied in factories, while others take on intellectual work. In many cases, their monthly salary reaches millions of forints, while in the meantime, the government would tighten their employment opportunities.

Pénzcentrum.hu analysed the data of the Central Statistical Office (KSH) in a recent article. It states that in October 2023, the number of foreign nationals employed in Hungary was 95,500, approximately 13,000 more than in the same month in 2022. This means, on average, an increase of 1,000 foreign employees per month between the two years.

Following this trend of growth, we can estimate that in January 2024, the number of foreigners working in Hungary exceeded 100,000.

At the same time, KSH figures show that the number of foreign citizens staying in Hungary has also been increasing since 2017. Asians among them are highly overrepresented: while in 2017 there were roughly 40,000 Asians in the country, by 2023 their number reached 65,000. Out of these, 18,000 were Chinese citizens.

There is also a huge increase in the number of Filipino workers in the country, who are mainly in the manufacturing, electronics, and food industries, employed by companies such as Suzuki, Audi, Bosch, and Wolt.

Some sectors guarantee guest workers over HUF 1 million salaries: these are the best-paying jobs for foreigners

Pénzcentrum examined salaries in 2022 and 2023 and collected the best- and worst-paying jobs that foreigners can take on in Hungary.

The following occupations topped the salary list in 2023:

Air traffic controllers: 2.6 million HUF (6,650 EUR)/ month;
Aircraft driver, flight engineer: 2.5 million HUF (6,396 EUR)/ month;
Specialist doctors: 2.19 million HUF (5600 EUR)/month;
Head of a unit engaged in IT and telecommunications activities: 1.6 million HUF (4093 EUR)/ month;
Stock and financial agent, broker: 1.5 million HUF (3840 EUR)/ month.

It is interesting to note that among the best-paid jobs, there are three that are critically understaffed in Hungary: specialist doctors, general practitioners, and IT teachers outside the school system.

In contrast, kitchen helping, simple agricultural occupations, cleaning jobs, and simple construction work offer rather poor salaries. In 2023, these jobs did not reach the average gross monthly pay of HUF 300,000 (EUR 767).

It is quite obvious that the majority of the 25 professions with the worst average salary are physical jobs that do not require any kind of education. This means, as Pénzcentrum draws attention to it, that the wages of guest workers temporarily settling in our country and working in factories, couriers, and food industry companies are well below the Hungarian average wage.

The Hungarian government would limit the employment of foreigners

We reported previously that in 2024, the cap on foreign workers permitted to come to the country will be at 65 thousand.

Moreover, as you can read in detail here, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office would restrict guest workers from taking on employment within state institutions and state-owned companies. Hiring foreign workers in these positions will be subject to approval from the minister responsible for the respective office.

The government explained the necessity for the decision by emphasising that they prioritise the employment of Hungarian citizens over guest workers, writing,

“working or residing in Hungary for a foreign national is not an inherent right.”

The restrictions would apply to third-country citizens, as those from the European Union or the European Economic Area can freely work in Hungary. Non-EU workers also cannot become, for example, priests, engineers, dentists, pharmacists, teachers, actors, or metro, tram, and trolley bus drivers.

Read also:

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Featured image: depositphotos.com

April 8, 2024

Why are middle-class Chinese moving to Hungary and do they speak English there?

The narrative of China’s rise has been one of rapid economic growth and urbanization. However, for a growing segment of the middle class, this very progress has brought its own set of challenges.

This has led to a surprising trend: an increasing number of middle-class Chinese families are choosing Hungary as their new home.

This exodus is driven by a complex interplay of factors in China, coupled with the unique appeal Hungary presents.

Seeking a Different China Dream

China’s breakneck development has undeniably delivered prosperity to many. Yet, alongside this rise comes a growing sense of unease.

Environmental pollution casts a pall over major cities, anxieties surround food safety, and the relentless pressure placed on children in China’s hyper-competitive education system leaves many families yearning for a more balanced approach.

These concerns are frequently discussed on popular online platforms among Chinese expatriates. These forums act as virtual water coolers, where families share their experiences and anxieties about life in China.

A recurring theme is the desire for a place that offers a healthier environment, a slower pace of life, and a more holistic approach to education – a stark contrast to the often-stressful realities of China’s education system.

Furthermore, some families express a sense of unease with the ever-increasing government surveillance in China.

This pervasive monitoring fosters a desire for a society that offers greater personal freedoms.

Hungary: A Welcoming Antidote

Hungary presents itself as a compelling alternative for these families seeking a different kind of life. The country’s Golden Visa program, launched in 2013, offers a relatively straightforward path to residency for those willing to invest in Hungarian property.

This program has proven particularly attractive to Chinese investors seeking a foothold in Europe.

Beyond the ease of immigration, Hungary offers a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of China’s megacities. The country boasts a slower pace of life, with cleaner air and a perceived sense of safety.

Budapest, the vibrant capital city, becomes a particular draw for many families. Here, they find a European lifestyle with access to green spaces, a rich cultural tapestry, and a more relaxed approach to education.

Many Chinese families specifically choose Budapest due to the presence of good schools, often bilingual state schools, reflecting Hungary’s emphasis on foreign language education.

The Language Barrier

However, the transition to life in Hungary is not without its challenges. The most significant hurdle is undoubtedly the language barrier.

Hungarian is a Uralic language, entirely distinct from both English and Mandarin. This means that everyday interactions, from grocery shopping to navigating public transportation, require at least a basic understanding of Hungarian.

While English is not as widely spoken in Hungary as in some other European countries, it is gaining traction, particularly in the tourism and business sectors.

This is due in part to Hungary’s growing role as a regional hub and its increasing focus on attracting foreign investment. However, for daily life integration, some knowledge of Hungarian remains essential.

This is where resources like 英文家教 (yīngwén jiāojiào), meaning “English tutor” in Chinese, come in handy.

Many Chinese families moving to Hungary look for English-speaking tutors to bridge the language gap.

The best platform they can choose is AmazingTalker. There they can connect with native Chinese speakers Who know American English and can speak the same as native English speakers.

These tutors can help both parents and children navigate the new environment, from deciphering official documents to fostering everyday communication.

Cultural Integration and Building a New Life

While language learning is crucial, successful integration requires going beyond vocabulary and grammar.

Cultural differences also play a significant role. Here, the presence of established Chinese communities in Hungary, particularly in Budapest, proves invaluable.

These communities provide a support network for newcomers, offering guidance on everything from finding suitable housing to navigating local customs.

Online forums also play a vital role in fostering a sense of community. Platforms like WeChat groups, where Chinese expatriates connect and share experiences, offer a virtual space for advice, support, and even shared celebrations of traditional Chinese holidays.

Education

Education is a primary driver for many Chinese families seeking a new life in Hungary. Hungary’s education system offers a more relaxed approach compared to China’s hyper-competitive model.

Here, there is a greater emphasis on fostering well-rounded individuals and nurturing creativity alongside academic achievement.

The bilingual education options available in Budapest’s schools are particularly attractive.

These schools allow children to continue their education in their native language while simultaneously immersing themselves in Hungarian culture and language.

This bilingual approach not only eases the transition for children but also equips them with valuable language skills that can open doors to future educational and professional opportunities.

New Chapter for Middle-Class China in Hungary

The influx of middle-class Chinese families to Hungary represents a significant shift in migration patterns. It reflects a growing desire among some segments of Chinese society for a different way of life.

Hungary, with its welcoming immigration program, slower pace, and emphasis on a holistic approach to education, offers a compelling alternative.

Can Hungary’s Infrastructure Handle the Influx?

While Hungary presents a wealth of opportunities for these new residents, there are potential challenges to consider. One key concern is whether Hungary’s infrastructure can adequately handle the influx of new residents.

The surge in demand for housing, particularly in Budapest, has already driven up property prices.

Additionally, the capacity of schools and healthcare facilities may need to be expanded to accommodate the growing population.

Sustainable Growth and Adapting to Change

Recognizing these potential challenges is crucial for ensuring a smooth integration process.

The Hungarian government can play a vital role by investing in infrastructure development, particularly in areas experiencing high concentrations of new residents.

Additionally, fostering closer cooperation between Chinese communities and Hungarian authorities can help bridge cultural divides and streamline the integration process.

Will Hungary Become a New Hub for Chinese Innovation and Entrepreneurship?

The influx of middle-class Chinese families brings not only new residents but also a wealth of talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Many Chinese immigrants possess valuable skills and experience honed in China‘s booming economy.

This begs the question: Could Hungary become a new hub for Chinese innovation and entrepreneurship?

The answer likely lies in fostering an environment that encourages and supports Chinese businesses.

Streamlining bureaucratic processes, providing access to financing, and facilitating collaboration between Hungarian and Chinese businesses could all play a role in nurturing a dynamic and innovative ecosystem.

By capitalizing on the skills and experience of its new residents, Hungary has the potential to further solidify its position as a key player in the European market.

Conclusion

The migration of middle-class Chinese families to Hungary represents a fascinating chapter in a globalized world.

It highlights the evolving desires of a generation seeking a different kind of life. While challenges exist, both Hungary and its new residents stand to benefit from a successful integration process.

By acknowledging potential roadblocks and fostering a spirit of collaboration, Hungary can pave the way for a mutually beneficial future, potentially becoming a new hub for Chinese innovation and a vibrant example of successful multicultural integration.

March 29, 2024

New Hungarian regulation would ban guest workers’ employment in more jobs

The Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office is in the process of drafting a new decree regarding foreign employees and the positions they would be prohibited from holding in Hungary. As per the latest draft, guest workers would be restricted from roles within state institutions and state-owned enterprises.

Hungarian government favours white Christian guest workers

In the explanatory section of the decree, the Cabinet Office asserted, “Working or residing in Hungary for a foreign national is not an inherent right.” They emphasised that all available positions should be prioritised for Hungarian citizens.

Consequently, the Hungarian government is steadfast in its commitment to tightening regulations concerning guest workers and their employment in Hungary. Thus, they will prohibit the hiring of foreign workers in state institutions and state-owned companies. Any intention to employ a foreign national within such entities will necessitate approval from the minister responsible for the respective domain.

guest workers in Hungary — Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

In February, the government said they would welcome white Christian guest workers in the country, citing ease of integration due to cultural proximity to Hungarians, as reported by 444.hu. However, these stipulations only apply to third-country nationals, as citizens of EU or EEA member states can work in Hungary without restrictions.

According to hvg.hu,, if the government adopts the new decree, it will not be retroactively applied.

Hungary grapples with structural unemployment

We covered earlier today that, based on the figures of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, the jobless rate in Hungary rose again in February. However, the actual unemployment rate can be misleading as Hungary faces shortages in certain professions, rendering it difficult to find Hungarian nationals willing to work due to low wages. Consequently, companies resort to hiring guest workers from countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines or Vietnam.

Guest workers Hungary — Photo: PrtScr/Youtube

For instance, a subcontractor of the Budapest Transport Company (BKK) sought to employ Filipino drivers, sparking public outrage. This issue was previously discussed in an article available THIS. Meanwhile, Hungarian media frequently covers stories of Hungarian bus drivers seeking employment in Austria, Germany and other Western countries.

As we detailed HERE, the maximum number of guest workers permitted to enter Hungary in 2024 is set at 65,000. These individuals can come from 15 countries, including Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Montenegro, Vietnam, Russia, Brazil, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Venezuela and Colombia.

Read also:

The shocking reason behind companies choosing guest workers over Hungarian – Read more HERE
Tens of thousands of guest workers cannot enter Hungary: large investments in trouble

Featured image: depositphotos.com

March 27, 2024

Filipino bus drivers in Budapest: the latest announcement

As we reported back in December, Ambrus Kiss, one of Budapest’s deputy mayors, excluded that they would employ foreign workforce at the companies in the ownership of the capital. However, some subcontractors decided otherwise. Here is the latest, important announcement concerning the issue.

Deputy Mayor Ambrus Kiss confirmed at a press conference that the municipality of the capital does not support the use of cheap foreign labour, Economx reports.

At a press conference, Kiss announced that the capital has found a legal solution to ensure that, contrary to earlier reports, there will be no Filipino bus drivers on ArrivaBus routes.

Municipality of Budapest says no to “use of cheap foreign labour”

Public transport changes — Photo: FB/BKK

The deputy mayor recalled that they have repeatedly stressed that they do not support the use of cheap foreign labour. However, so far they have only been able to enforce this in the case of BKK (Budapest Transport Centre). They have now looked at the capital’s contracts with ArrivaBus and have found a solution to the problem.

ArrivaBus, which operates around 450 vehicles in the capital, announced last October that it would start a training programme for 20 Filipino bus drivers, who were expected to start work in January 2024 at the earliest, but this did not happen.

Read also:

March 21, 2024

Hungary tightened sanctions regarding foreign workers, new amendments are coming

The government tightened the sanctions regarding the employment of foreign workers from third countries. The new modifications aim to safeguard Hungarian workers in cases where employers seek to replace their existing Hungarian workforce with foreigners. Further restrictions may be introduced in the future.

Protection from foreign workers

As 24.hu has reported, the cabinet has tightened the rules on foreign workers from 1st March. Imre Szilárd Szabó, lawyer and Executive Vice President of the National Federation of Workers Councils, explained the essence of these modifications as follows: To counteract exploitative practices by employers, a provision has been introduced empowering government authorities to revoke work permits if employers seek to replace Hungarian workers with third-country nationals without valid cause.

Increased penalties

The legislation overseeing the regulatory actions of the Employment Inspectorate has been revised to increase penalties for the unlawful employment of third-country citizens. This revision introduces a heightened labour penalty for violations concerning the failure to report the conclusion of employment contracts for migrant workers. Furthermore, a significant aspect of the enhancement involves raising both the minimum and maximum discretionary fines for labour violations.

The minimum fine has been raised fivefold to HUF 150,000 (EUR 379), with fines scaled according to business size. Larger enterprises face heftier penalties, with the maximum fine reaching HUF 25 million (EUR 63,152) for businesses employing at least 250 individuals.

Future amendments in Hungary

The government has accepted another initiative of the National Federation of Workers Councils. In the case of employment of third-country nationals, the employer must seek the opinion of the works council before employing them, provided foreign employees constitute at least 5% of the workforce or a minimum of 10 individuals. This proposed amendment is slated for inclusion in the Labour Code.

indian_guest_workers_in_hajdúnánás — PrtScr/ATVnews

Additionally, the union is contemplating a proposal to prohibit employers from hiring foreign workers if their average earnings are 20% below industry standards over the preceding six months, or if earnings for specific positions are 20% lower than the Central Statistical Office’s published tariffs for comparable occupations

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March 16, 2024

Filipino guest workers’ salaries in Hungary revealed

foreign workers guest workers in Hungary

More than 10,000 Filipinos work in Hungary, often earning more in factories here than they would in high-skilled jobs back at home.

As Pénzcentrum reports, a recent Deutsche Welle video revealed how salaries in factories in the agricultural sector of Hungary often outperform intellectual positions in the Philippines. Last year, for example, guest workers were offered a net salary of EUR 550 per month, which for many was double what they would have made at home. Employees also receive other benefits that make the Hungarian labour market attractive: their employer pays for their plane ticket to Hungary, as well as providing a visa and insurance, and free living quarters in workers’ hostels.

Working in Hungary through guest workers’ eyes

The Deutsche Welle report highlights the stark wage differences between the two countries that make foreign work attractive for those in the Philippines. In the video, two female guest workers share their experiences in the Hungarian workforce.

One of them, who works three shifts in a factory in Eastern Hungary, said that a big difference between the two countries is in the work hours: in the Philippines, shifts usually exceed eight hours, so she is used to much longer workdays. This is why she feels able to take on multiple shifts. The salary is important because she is raising her two children alone, and while she graduated from university as a pharmacist, she makes twice as much as a factory worker here than she did back home. It is also a great benefit, she shares, that Hungary is a member of the European Union.

The other woman, who works on the same factory’s production line, is a chemical engineer. At home, she was a department manager of a company manufacturing household appliances, until due to the recession caused by the pandemic, she was fired. At 36 years old, she is considered too old to be hired, she stated, as most companies prefer those who are newly graduated, as they will work for much cheaper.

Workers from the Philippines make up the 4^th largest group of foreign labourers in the country, behind Ukrainians, Serbians, and Vietnamese people. Most of them work in the manufacturing sector. Even though workers earn more in Austria and other Western European states, Hungary remains a popular destination for foreigners, the owner of a recruitment agency working with Filipinos said, as the country is Catholic, and has a similar culture to the Philippines.

The two women in the video also emphasised that they find that their coworkers are very accepting of them, so they feel welcome in Hungary. The hard part, they say, is being away from their families.

The labour question in Hungary

As we have reported earlier, the number of foreign guest workers in Hungary, particularly from Vietnam and the Philippines, skyrocketed in recent years, sparking controversy in many cases, such as the news that Filipino drivers would be employed on Budapest’s public transport.

The Hungarian government, in turn, has been ambivalent on migrant labourers. On the one hand, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has said that potentially 500,000 new employees could be needed in the country’s employment sector. Furthermore, as we wrote HERE, recent immigration legislation has made it easier to employ Asian workers in some sectors. On the other hand, however, official rhetoric is often hostile when it comes to an influx of foreign workers. The government later regulated the importation of workers, considerably limiting the scope of the aforementioned legislation.

See the video about the Filipino workers in Hungarian here:

Read also:

Hungarian CEOs’ surprising experiences with foreign workers – HERE
MKIK head: foreign guest workers should be employed in a regulated way to strengthen the economy – READ HERE

March 12, 2024

The shocking reason behind companies choosing guest workers over Hungarian labour

In recent years, Hungary has experienced a surge in the arrival of foreign guest workers, primarily from Asia, which caused widespread moral unease. This influx of foreign workers has sparked protests and outrage, drawing disapproval from Hungarian labourers.

Several incidents demonstrate the outrage of the Hungarian people, such as protests in Nagymaros against a Korean company’s plan to accommodate Asian workers, outbursts over Hungarian workers allegedly being replaced by Vietnamese workers at the Bumchun factory (later proven false) and false rumours circulating about Indian owners of Dunaferr in Dunaújváros replacing Hungarian workers. Furthermore, Arriva’s (Operator of Budapest Transport Centre) recruitment of Filipino drivers also sparked political controversy, as reported by Telex.

The Orbán Government, previously known for its poster campaigns promoting hostility towards foreign workers, initially drafted legislation to regulate the situation of guest workers but later withdrew it. Shortly afterwards, they introduced a new regulation to tighten controls on the importation of guest workers. Despite their anti-immigrant rhetoric, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that:

The country could need up to 500,000 workers.

Guest workers statistics

The latest data from the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH) reveals that in November 2023, there were 98,500 foreign nationals employed in Hungary, with over 76,000 being from outside the EU. This marks a 13% increase in foreign workers over the past year largely due to the arrival of nearly 14,000 more third-country workers since November 2022. While guest workers were previously predominantly from neighbouring countries like Serbia and Ukraine, their numbers have declined especially since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict in 2022.

Since then, Asian workers, particularly from Vietnam and the Philippines, have been increasingly replacing the Serbian and Ukrainian guest workers. However, despite this uptick, the proportion of guest workers in Hungary remains lower compared to Western Europe, with roughly 9% of workers in that region being guest workers, as opposed to less than 2% in Hungary.

The government has facilitated the import of Asian guest workers through the Immigration Act, making it easier for Vietnamese, Indonesian, Mongolian and Filipino workers to enter Hungary. Guest workers receive a two-year residence and work permit, renewable for up to one year. Upon expiration, they may return to their home or relocate, as their EU residence permit remains valid for a longer duration. This legislation also introduced qualified temporary employment agencies, initially designating 13 companies for this purpose, which was later increased to 28.

However, recent amendments to the Immigration Act have imposed limitations by setting a yearly maximum of 65,000 non-EU workers allowed into Hungary, corresponding to available job vacancies. Moreover, companies can only hire guest workers after notifying local labour centres of their labour needs and receiving certification of insufficient Hungarian candidates. These measures are expected to somewhat mitigate the influx of workers.

Reasons behind companies’ choice of guest workers

Despite temporary employment and recruitment agencies emphasising the significantly higher costs associated with employing guest workers (approximately HUF 1 Million (EUR 2,500) in one-off fees for a Filipino worker, lower costs for Vietnamese and Indians) compared to hiring Hungarian workers, employers still find themselves compelled to opt for them. Hungary boasts a high employment rate of 74.8% and a low unemployment rate of 4.2%, indicating a perceived lack of usable labor reserves.

Many unemployed individuals face challenges such as lack of skills, geographic constraints or health issues, rendering them less employable. When foreign companies seek to establish operations in Hungary, they often require a large workforce that is difficult to fulfil locally. Therefore, despite potential improvements in employing local unemployed individuals, foreign companies often opt for guest workers due to their perceived higher productivity compared to domestic workers (despite the slightly higher costs involved). According to employment agencies:

Guest workers cost employers 10-20% more, but they outperform domestic workers by 20-30% in productivity.

Some argue that Hungarian/European workers perceive work as a necessary evil and may not put in their best effort. In contrast, others suggest that different life situations may be the cause. Guest workers’ lack of family and responsibilities and short-term outlook may motivate them to maximise earnings through overtime and dedication to work. Similar trends are observed with Hungarian workers who temporarily migrate to Western countries, where their productivity often increases.

Read also:

Hungarian CEOs’ surprising experiences with foreign worker – HERE
Non-EU citizens can apply for Hungarian Card, 65 thousand guest workers may come – HERE

March 4, 2024

MKIK head: foreign guest workers should be employed in a regulated way to strengthen the economy

Hungarian businesses must tap opportunities created by the government, László Parragh, the head of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MKIK), said at a conference on Monday.

Parragh said the labour market was still tight, but the fact that jobs had been maintained during the crisis had been a boon to the economy.

But migration, he added, was not a solution to domestic labour shortages, and guest workers must be employed in a regulated way, aimed at generating economic growth and stimulating further job-creation.

Foreign direct investment, he noted, exceeded 13 billion dollars last year. Still, cautious consumer behaviour was an obstacle to economic growth, which, he added, was “also reflected in investments”.

At the same time, he welcomed the curbing of inflation and rising real wages.

Parragh said domestic businesses were “in the midst of generational change”, noting the green transition, steps towards energy efficiency, AI and a change in consumer needs as big challenges.

“A future beckons to those that are prepared now,” Parragh said, adding that Hungarian businesses that habitually rely on instinct should switch to gaining a more acute awareness of the market environment.

Concerning European Union funding, Parragh said Hungary had handed over some of its markets so “the country is entitled to the EU funds in return”.

Referring to the international situation, Parragh noted “considerable restructuring between the US, China, and the EU”, adding that “the EU lags behind in this competition more and more”.

Meanwhile, he said Hungary had taken “huge steps” when it came to the automotive green transition, which may “secure a good position for the country”. In the coming period, he said, the country should “find a balance between healthy sovereignty and dependencies that benefit from international transformations”.

Non-EU citizens can apply for Hungarian Card, 65 thousand guest workers may come

Guest workers from third-world countries with high professional qualifications in mathematics, natural sciences, technology and IT can receive the Hungarian Card (Magyar Kártya), the Culture and Innovation Ministry (KIM) said on Friday.

The ministry said in a statement that the measure is among others aimed at ensuring the workforce necessary for a dynamic economy.

65,000 guest workers may come from 15 countries

According to hvg.hu, in 2024, 65,000 is the maximum number of guest workers who can come to Hungary. The 15 countries foreigners can come from are the following: Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Montenegro, Vietnam, Russia, Brazil, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Venezuela, and Colombia.

However, there are lots of jobs non-EU foreigners cannot accept. For example, they cannot be government members, priests, engineers, dentists, or pharmacists. They cannot work as teachers at universities or schools, as actors or historians. They cannot be shopkeepers, metro, tram, or trolley bus drivers, shoemakers, or furriers. But as a non-EU citizen, you can work as a bus driver. We detailed in THIS article that, for example, Budapest welcomes foreign bus drivers to ease the labour shortage in the sector.

Number of registered jobseekers falls to all-time low in February

The number of registered jobseekers in Hungary fell by 10,000 to 235,400 last month, an all-time low for the month of February, the state secretary for employment policy said on Friday, citing data from the National Employment Service (NFSZ).

The number of registered jobseekers fell by 4 percent from the same month a year earlier, Sándor Czomba said in a statement. Compared with 2010, the number of jobseekers has fallen by more than 420,000, he added.

Anyone who is willing and able to work can find a job in Hungary, the state secretary said, adding that wages were also rising.

Having reined in inflation, the government is now focused on achieving an economic growth rate of 4 percent, Czomba said, adding that this required restoring consumption, raising the labour market activity rate and keeping the investment rate above 25 percent.

Read also:

Hungarian parliament adopts law on guest workers – Read more HERE
Staggering! Half a million guest workers in Hungary – Details in THIS article

March 1, 2024

Hungarian CEOs’ surprising experiences with foreign workers

What are Hungarian business leaders afraid of? What are their experiences with foreign workers? What are the prospects for 2024? Do CEOs want euros? These are some of the most burning questions in business right now in Hungary. Tamás Lőcsei, CEO of PwC Hungary, an audit and business advisory firm, answered these questions.

There are no indications that Hungarian workers might be laid off to be replaced by foreigners, Tamás Lőcsei, CEO of PwC Hungary, told Növekedés.hu. The CEO also talked about the economic outlook for the year and the experiences with foreign workers, among other things.

Hungarian business leaders are more optimistic now

According to Lőcsei, Hungarian CEOs are confident in Hungarian GDP growth because they see the volume of investment coming into the country in recent years. What is more, many announced projects could start production this year, which would help boost the economy.

PwC’s latest CEO Survey reveals that CEOs are relieved and feel that the country is over the economic difficulties, rather than the pessimism of last year. They feel like 2024 could be a better year for exports compared to 2023.

What are business leaders afraid of?

inflation hungary — Annual inflation in Hungary over the last 5 years. Source: bankmonitor.hu

“Our research shows that the impact of inflation is what most people fear,”

Lőcsei said. This is followed by the shortage of skilled labour, then macroeconomic volatility, geopolitical conflicts and cyber risks, with almost the same results, he added. (It is important to note that the survey was conducted at the end of last year when inflation was much more unstable than now.)

Can labour shortage be addressed with foreign workers?

According to Lőcsei, the experience of foreign workers is quite positive. “It is important to underline that these workers come to Hungary in an organised way, after considerable screening,” he explained. Many manufacturing companies employ foreign workers in Hungary. In fact, in this segment companies employing guest workers are in the majority.

At the same time, I think that the Hungarian workforce will not be disadvantaged by all this. There are no indications that Hungarian workers might be laid off to be replaced by foreigners,

Lőcsei highlighted.

Is the introduction of the euro important for CEOs?

“This issue is not their focus at the moment,” Lőcsei said about the euro introduction. He said that CEOs do not want it to happen in the near future.

The euro has its advantages, of course, but the general view is that it is better to introduce it at a time when the Hungarian economy is stronger,

Tamás Lőcsei concluded.

Foreign workers: new draft resolution targets this demographic

As we wrote earlier, according to a new draft resolution, third-country nationals who wish to remain in Hungary to work must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Hungarian history and culture. The new law proposes that foreign workers undergo an examination on Hungarian culture and history. However, even so, permanent stay is still not on the cards.

The examination is structured around eight key points, including Hungary’s geopolitical position, national symbols and festivities, significant milestones in the country’s history, and more.

Read also:

February 27, 2024

Draft regulation in Hungary: foreign workers can only stay if they are familiar with Hungarian culture

A recent draft regulation from the Ministry of Interior unveils stringent criteria for foreign workers wishing to remain in Hungary, stipulating that they must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Hungarian history and culture. However, permanent stay is still not an option. In addition, the Ministry of Interior is also compiling a list of countries deemed culturally compatible.

Which residence permits are impacted?

As hvg reported, a new law proposes the extension of certain residence permits contingent upon meeting specific social integration benchmarks. It is proposed that foreign workers undergo an examination on Hungarian culture and history, a requirement applicable to the following permit categories:

Residence permit for Guest Self-Employed
Residence permit for employment
Residence permit for Guest Workers
Hungarian card

All these permits afford limited residency in Hungary, renewable only once. For instance, the standard validity period for a residence permit for guest workers is two years, extendable by an additional year. Such permits are typically granted to guest workers employed by priority employers or temporary employment agencies.

What does the examination entail?

While the specifics of the exam remain undisclosed in the draft regulation, detailed guidelines have been published on the Hungarian government‘s website for public debate. As outlined, third-country nationals must demonstrate compliance with social integration criteria by passing a Hungarian cultural knowledge assessment. The examination is structured around eight key topics:

Hungary’s geopolitical positioning in the Carpathian Basin, Europe, and international organisations (UN, Council of Europe, NATO, European Union).
National symbols and festivities of Hungary (coat of arms, flag, crown, national anthem, national holidays).
Significant milestones in Hungarian history (conquest of Hungary, foundation of the state, the fall of the House of Árpád, Turkish occupation, Habsburg rule, the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence, the Reconciliation, World War I and II, the 1956 revolution, the 1990 regime change).
Prominent European and Hungarian figures in fine arts, music and science.
Important figures in European and Hungarian literature.
Fundamental institutions under the Fundamental Law (Parliament, President of the Republic, Government).
Citizens’ rights and duties (freedoms, economic, social and cultural rights, duties of citizens and protection of citizens’ rights).
Integration of Europe and Hungary in daily life.

However, it remains unclear whether these themes will be rigorously examined or merely symbolically acknowledged. We can all agree that there is a huge difference between merely recognising the National Anthem and being able to recite it from memory.

Exemptions from the examination

Individuals granted residence permits for investment purposes are exempt from the examination requirement. Similar to guest worker permits, these permits allow for a stay of up to three years. Additionally, the government has mandated that guest workers brought in for specific projects should ideally be accommodated separately from the resident population, within designated areas. However, they are free to leave these hubs.

The draft regulation also outlines a list of countries whose citizens can obtain extensions without undergoing the exam. Primarily comprising European non-EU nations, such as Balkan states, the UK, San Marino, Monaco, Ukraine, Russia, Armenia and Georgia, this list reflects the government’s recognition of shared cultural ties within Europe.

Read also:

February 22, 2024

Uncovering foreign presence: Regulations and statistical insights on immigration in Hungary

What do foreigners really think of Hungary?

Immigration, in its myriad forms, often takes a backseat amidst the glare of illegal migration, propelled by political agendas. However, the complexity of immigration is often oversimplified, both by the public and politicians. A deep dive into the factual data on foreign immigration, as provided by the Ministry of the Interior and Eurostat, offers a nuanced understanding of the true numbers underpinning this multifaceted issue.

Legal migration receives scant media coverage in contemporary discourse, given its complexity and lack of sensationalism compared to illegal migration, making it less conducive to campaigning or publicising. However, the European Union aims to ease legal constraints on migration for two primary reasons. Firstly, there is a growing need for labour that countries struggle to meet, prompting them to recruit immigrants. Secondly, European societies are experiencing rapid ageing alongside declining birth rates, compelling measures to address shifting demographics, as reported by Portfolio.

Navigating regulations

Under EU law, immigrants are defined as third-country nationals relocating to an EU Member State not due to persecution but possessing permits for entry and residence. Member States retain the authority to influence this regulation independently, determining quotas for third-country nationals admitted for employment, education or family reunification purposes. It’s crucial to distinguish this right from the right to asylum; while the latter is deemed a fundamental human right, the former remains the subjective choice of Member States. Notably, EU law supersedes national legislation, regulating both internal EU movement and immigration from non-EU countries. Additionally, origin holds significance; third-country nationals fall under immigration policies, while EU Member State citizens are subject to provisions concerning the free movement of persons. Upholding the principle of free movement of workers, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union explicitly prohibits discrimination based on nationality among workers from Member States regarding employment, wages and other work-related conditions. Moreover, there’s the EU Blue Card, implemented over fifteen years ago, offering non-EU citizens an opportunity to reside and work within the EU with their families. To qualify, applicants must undergo a rigorous assessment and hold a degree or possess professional experience equivalent to higher education, along with a job offer meeting specified minimum salary thresholds. In Hungary, regulations stipulate that third-country nationals must obtain visas unless they are nationals of countries eligible for visa waivers. Visas or visa-free entry allow a maximum stay of 90 days, beyond which individuals require permits. Regarding the admission of guest workers to Hungary, the official stance is that only vacancies will determine the number admitted.

Immigration in figures

In 2022, the European Union reported a total of 37.7 million registered immigrants, encompassing both internal EU movement and arrivals from third countries, constituting 8.5% of the EU’s overall population. Specific to Hungary, data from 2021 reveals that 333,000 foreigners aged between 15 and 50 possessed residence permits, including 223,000 individuals from neighbouring countries, with the majority (169,000) holding Hungarian citizenship. The spatial distribution of foreign nationals of working age is notably concentrated, with nearly half residing in Budapest (47,000), followed by Pest and Győr-Moson-Sopron counties (8,000 each), while the remaining counties average around 2,000 immigrants per county. Békés, Tolna and Nógrád counties recorded the lowest numbers, with none surpassing 800 immigrants.