Hungary to halt worker visas from Philippines, Georgia, Armenia

Hungary's government is halting the issuance of work visas for individuals from the Philippines, Georgia, and Armenia, effective Friday. A government spokeswoman announced this as an initial measure to regulate the influx of guest workers, signaling broader policy changes to come.

The Tisza party, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, which recently ended right-wing leader Viktor Orban's long tenure, had pledged to cease issuing visas to non-European Union workers starting in June. The government stated its intention to tighten employment prospects for guest workers, expressing concerns that their presence depresses local wages.

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calling the move a first step towards regulating the inflow of guest workers.

While foreign workers constitute a small fraction of Hungary's total workforce according to official data, certain sectors like manufacturing and services are significantly dependent on them. The government plans to amend decrees that allow manpower agencies to import workers through simplified procedures from the specified countries. Existing foreign workers can still apply for extensions, and pending applications will be processed.

Some of Hungary's major foreign investors have voiced concerns, warning that a complete halt to guest worker inflow could negatively impact businesses and the broader economy. The government, however, frames these reforms as the initial phase of a long-term strategy.

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concerns they are pushing down local salaries