Hungarian MFA Clarifies: Irregular Migrants Are Not Legal Guest Workers

Hungarian MFA Clarifies: Irregular Migrants Are Not Legal Guest Workers

Key Takeaways

1. Hungary has clarified that illegal immigrants should not be confused with individuals who enter the country legally under organized circumstances for work.
2. Despite a prolonged war in Europe and political and ideological conflicts, Hungary has maintained successful East-West cooperation.
3. New regulations for guest workers in Hungary, set to begin in July 2024, will allow permit extensions up to three years.

Law-abiding guest workers from third countries coming to Hungary for employment should not be conflated with illegal immigration issues, stated Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó.

Minister Szijjártó emphasized that despite Europe’s ongoing challenges, including a two-and-a-half-year war and political and ideological conflicts hindering East-West cooperation, Hungary has demonstrated successful collaboration with Eastern nations.

In a meeting with his Filipino counterpart, Szijjártó highlighted Hungary's strong cooperation with the Philippines, noting that Hungary hosts over 10,000 Filipino workers. He stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy over constant judgment and criticism.

New Immigration Law to Affect Guest Workers in Hungary

Hungary's new immigration law, effective from January 1, 2024, will see most provisions take effect from March 1, 2024, with rules for guest workers starting from July 1, 2024. The guest worker residence permit will be granted to specific employees from certain countries and in particular professions, allowing extensions up to a total of three years. After this period, a new application must be submitted. Guest workers will not have the right to permanent residence or family reunification in Hungary.

The 15 countries eligible for guest worker permits under the new regulations include:

1. Belarus
2. Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. North Macedonia
4. Philippines
5. Indonesia
6. Kazakhstan
7. Mongolia
8. Montenegro
9. Vietnam
10. Russia
11. Brazil
12. Georgia
13. Kyrgyzstan
14. Venezuela
15. Colombia

Hungary Ready to Welcome Over 65,000 Guest Workers in 2024

The Hungarian authorities have set a cap of 65,000 guest workers for 2024. In February 2024, the number of registered job seekers in Hungary fell to a historic low of 235,400, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous month. Compared to 2010, the number of job seekers has dropped by over 420,000. To achieve an economic growth rate of four percent, Hungary aims to curb inflation, restore consumption, increase labor market activity, and maintain an investment rate above 25 percent.

Foreign, News, Schengen, Global News, Schengen News, Immigration,

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