Hungary tightens restrictions on labor immigration and suspends visas for three nationalities

The Hungarian government has announced that, starting Friday, it will cease issuing work visas to nationals of the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia. This decision marks the first step in a broader reform aimed at limiting the influx of foreign workers into the country.

The measure was confirmed by government spokesperson Vanda Szondi, who explained that the authorities wanted to better regulate labor migration. According to her, the government fears that the influx of foreign workers could put downward pressure on Hungarian workers' wages.

This new direction comes after the electoral victory of the Peter Magyar party, which ended Viktor Orbán's sixteen-year rule in the April elections. The government had announced its intention to cease issuing work visas to non-EU nationals as early as June.

Specifically, Budapest will amend the decree that previously allowed recruitment agencies to bring in workers from the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia through a simplified procedure. Those already in the country will still be able to apply for renewal of their permits, while applications already submitted will continue to be processed.

According to official statistics, foreign workers represent approximately 2% of the Hungarian workforce. However, several sectors, particularly services and manufacturing, rely heavily on this workforce to meet their recruitment needs.

The decision has sparked concerns in the business world. Several major foreign investors operating in Hungary have warned that too abrupt a halt to the arrival of foreign workers could harm businesses and stifle the country's growth.

The government, however, presents this reform as the beginning of a long-term strategy to reshape the Hungarian labor market. Further measures could be announced in the coming months to continue tightening migration policy in the area of ​​employment.