Hungary’s fiercely anti-immigration government is halving the number of guest worker permits to be issued in 2025. With an aging population and a reliance on labor-heavy industries, experts worry that the country may face a critical labor shortage.
"Hungary belongs to Hungarians; it will neither become a guest worker country nor a migrant country," the Ministry stated, emphasizing that temporary residence and employment are strictly regulated and allowed only under conditions determined by the Hungarian state.
Protecting Local Jobs
Under existing laws, international workers can only be hired if no Hungarian workers are available to fill vacancies. For two decades, Hungary has maintained a quota system for third-country workers, tied to the average number of job vacancies over the previous year.
The Ministry of National Economy stressed that the reduction in permits reflects the government's commitment to protecting domestic workers and families. "In order to protect Hungary's labor market and its citizens, stricter regulations for foreign workers have become necessary," the Ministry said in a statement.
New Restrictions on Hiring
The tightened regulations follow a September proposal that aimed to prioritize local workers for job openings. Employers wishing to hire foreign workers must now provide evidence that suitable candidates cannot be found within Hungary.
Additionally, the proposal banned private recruitment agencies from hiring workers from outside the European Union. The government has allowed foreign workers from 15 countries, including North Macedonia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, but under strict conditions.
Immigration Law Overhaul
Hungary’s stricter stance on guest workers aligns with broader changes to its immigration laws. On January 1, 2024, new immigration regulations took effect, with specific rules for guest workers set to roll out in July 2024.
The 2025 cap marks a decisive step in the government’s strategy to regulate foreign labor and strengthen the local workforce. By halving the guest worker quota, Hungary seeks to reaffirm its stance on labor market self-reliance while maintaining tight control over immigration policies.


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