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BUDAPEST — The Hungarian government has officially suspended the issuance of new work visas for citizens of the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia, marking a significant shift in the nation’s labor and immigration policy.
The move, which took effect on Friday, June 5, 2026, was announced by government spokesperson Vanda Szondi. It represents the first phase of a broader regulatory overhaul promised by the new administration led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the TISZA party.
Rationale Behind the Move
The government stated that the primary objective of the suspension is to “tighten employment opportunities for guest workers” and protect the Hungarian labor market. Officials expressed concerns that an unchecked influx of foreign labor from outside the European Union has contributed to the stagnation of local wages.
By restricting access to these specific categories, the government aims to:
- Stabilize the domestic labor market by ensuring that Hungarian workers are prioritized for job openings.
- Prevent wage suppression that officials argue has been caused by the availability of cheaper labor from abroad.
- Regulate guest-worker inflows as part of a long-term plan to reshape national immigration policy.
Impact on Existing Workers and Pending Applications
The government has sought to provide clarity for those currently operating within the system:
- Current Residents: Foreign nationals already residing and working in Hungary are not affected by the new restrictions and will remain eligible to apply for extensions of their existing work permits.
- Pending Applications: Any visa applications submitted and processed prior to the June 5 deadline will continue to be evaluated under the previous guidelines.
Economic Concerns and Industry Reaction
While the government frames the policy as a necessary step to support local workers, the decision has drawn sharp criticism from business leaders and international investors.
Foreign workers currently account for approximately 2% of Hungary’s workforce, but their impact is disproportionately higher in critical sectors such as manufacturing and services. Major companies—particularly those in the automotive and electronics industries—have warned that a drastic reduction in the availability of foreign labor could disrupt supply chains, hinder production, and diminish Hungary’s overall competitiveness as an investment destination.
The government has indicated that this suspension is not the end of its labor reform efforts. While no specific timeline for further changes has been released, officials have confirmed that a broader review of the nation’s immigration law is forthcoming to better align economic needs with the administration’s policy goals.
- Hector Pascua with reports from report.az/picture: pixabay.com
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