Hungary is tightening its immigration rules for foreign guest workers, a move that will significantly impact both employers and foreign workers seeking employment in the country. These new regulations are part of Hungary’s broader effort to control immigration and protect domestic employment.
If you’re planning to work in Hungary or hire foreign workers, this Hungary Visa Update provides a comprehensive overview of the latest changes to guest worker permits and immigration policies.
Hungary’s New Immigration Law: Key Dates and Rules
Hungary’s new immigration law took effect on January 1, 2024, marking a turning point for foreign workers and businesses relying on overseas labor. This law includes specific rules for guest investors and foreign guest workers. As of July 1, 2024, new regulations regarding guest workers have been implemented.
Under the new law:
Guest worker residence permits are now restricted to individuals employed by designated employers.
Only workers from certain eligible countries and in specific professions are allowed to apply.
These residence permits are capped at three years, after which a new application is required. There is no automatic extension beyond this period.
Limitations on Guest Workers
One of the most significant changes in the Hungary Visa Update is the limitation on guest workers’ rights. Under the new immigration law:
Guest workers are not eligible for permanent residency in Hungary.
There is no right to family reunification, meaning workers cannot bring family members with them to Hungary under this permit.
These restrictions are intended to maintain a temporary workforce and prioritize domestic employment opportunities.
Countries Eligible for Guest Worker Permits
As of July 1, 2024, Hungary’s guest worker permits are available only to workers from 15 specific countries. This selective list reflects Hungary’s goal to manage foreign labor more strictly and streamline immigration from non-EU countries. The eligible countries include:
Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina
North Macedonia
Philippines
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Mongolia
Montenegro
Vietnam
Russia
Brazil
Georgia
Kyrgyzstan
Venezuela
Workers from these nations may apply for a guest worker permit, provided they are employed by a designated employer in an approved profession.
Impact on Foreign Workers and Businesses
The Hungary Visa Update will present challenges for both prospective foreign workers and businesses looking to hire internationally. With the restriction of guest worker permits to specific countries and professions, the pool of eligible foreign workers will become narrower. Employers will need to ensure they meet the new compliance standards, or they risk penalties and administrative delays.
For foreign workers, it’s essential to verify whether your profession and country of origin qualify for the Hungary guest worker permit. Additionally, with no pathway to permanent residency or family reunification, workers must plan for a temporary stay in Hungary.
What’s Next for Hungary’s Immigration Policy?
The Hungarian government has introduced these updates as part of a broader trend across Europe, where nations are reassessing their immigration policies in response to economic and social challenges. The Hungary visa regulations are expected to remain under scrutiny, with possible future adjustments to further tighten or refine the rules.
At Euro Peoples Consultancy, we understand that navigating European work visas and immigration laws can be complex, especially with recent changes. Whether you’re a foreign worker seeking opportunities in Hungary or a business looking to hire international talent, our team of experts is here to help.
Hungary Visa Update: Stricter Rules for Foreign Guest Workers in 2024
Hungary is tightening its immigration rules for foreign guest workers, a move that will significantly impact both employers and foreign workers seeking employment in the country. These new regulations are part of Hungary’s broader effort to control immigration and protect domestic employment.
If you’re planning to work in Hungary or hire foreign workers, this Hungary Visa Update provides a comprehensive overview of the latest changes to guest worker permits and immigration policies.
Hungary’s New Immigration Law: Key Dates and Rules
Hungary’s new immigration law took effect on January 1, 2024, marking a turning point for foreign workers and businesses relying on overseas labor. This law includes specific rules for guest investors and foreign guest workers. As of July 1, 2024, new regulations regarding guest workers have been implemented.
Under the new law:
Limitations on Guest Workers
One of the most significant changes in the Hungary Visa Update is the limitation on guest workers’ rights. Under the new immigration law:
These restrictions are intended to maintain a temporary workforce and prioritize domestic employment opportunities.
Countries Eligible for Guest Worker Permits
As of July 1, 2024, Hungary’s guest worker permits are available only to workers from 15 specific countries. This selective list reflects Hungary’s goal to manage foreign labor more strictly and streamline immigration from non-EU countries. The eligible countries include:
Workers from these nations may apply for a guest worker permit, provided they are employed by a designated employer in an approved profession.
Impact on Foreign Workers and Businesses
The Hungary Visa Update will present challenges for both prospective foreign workers and businesses looking to hire internationally. With the restriction of guest worker permits to specific countries and professions, the pool of eligible foreign workers will become narrower. Employers will need to ensure they meet the new compliance standards, or they risk penalties and administrative delays.
For foreign workers, it’s essential to verify whether your profession and country of origin qualify for the Hungary guest worker permit. Additionally, with no pathway to permanent residency or family reunification, workers must plan for a temporary stay in Hungary.
What’s Next for Hungary’s Immigration Policy?
The Hungarian government has introduced these updates as part of a broader trend across Europe, where nations are reassessing their immigration policies in response to economic and social challenges. The Hungary visa regulations are expected to remain under scrutiny, with possible future adjustments to further tighten or refine the rules.
At Euro Peoples Consultancy, we understand that navigating European work visas and immigration laws can be complex, especially with recent changes. Whether you’re a foreign worker seeking opportunities in Hungary or a business looking to hire international talent, our team of experts is here to help.
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