Labour Migration

In 2017, 42% of foreigners who resided in Hungary came for the purpose of work, making labour the most popular entitlement of residence. Labour migration of Hungarian citizens has increased, and as a result, Hungary is gradually becoming a country in need of foreign workers in certain economic sectors. According to Manpower Group, more than 50% of Hungarian firms have significant difficulties filling jobs, especially in the field of information technology and health care. The country also has a serious demand for manual labour workers. The Hungarian Migration Strategy, adopted in October 2013, also emphasizes that although it is important to ensure the protection of the national labour market, receiving additional migrant labour is a necessity. Attracting knowledge-based migration has been set as a goal, but there is no developing tendency of highly qualified third-country nationals applying for the EU Blue Card as a possible way to gain residence permit in an EU country.

In 2016 and 2017, the Government of Hungary has repeatedly stated the country’s need for skilled labour, targeting Ukraine as a particular country of origin. Several reports confirm that Hungary is going through a major labour shortage.