Hungary tightens rules on issuing permits to non-EU migrants
Péter Magyar (photo: Getty Images)
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has signed a decree restricting the inflow of labor migrants from non-EU countries, according to DPA.
New developments
New residence permits under the labor migrant scheme introduced by the previous government of Viktor Orbán will no longer be issued.
Existing permits will remain valid until their expiration. However, the decree does not specify whether they can be renewed.
The move does not amount to a full ban on citizens from non-EU countries, but specifically targets the simplified labor scheme introduced under Orbán's government for workers from abroad.
That scheme enabled recruitment of workers from outside the EU through agencies controlled by the previous administration.
Magyar criticized this practice during his election campaign.
New government's arguments
Restricting the influx of labor migrants was among Magyar's campaign promises as he sought to replace Orbán.
According to the new prime minister, the decision is intended to provide more jobs for Hungarian citizens and prevent companies from lowering wages by hiring foreign workers.
At the same time, industry groups and employers' associations say many sectors of the Hungarian economy are facing labor shortages.
Who is affected
An estimated 90,000 non-EU citizens work in Hungary, about 2% of the workforce.
Most are employed in battery and automotive manufacturing, construction, seasonal agricultural work, and delivery services.
The largest groups of migrant workers come from the Philippines, Ukraine, China, Vietnam, and India.
Notably, Péter Magyar officially became prime minister of Hungary on May 9 after his Tisza Party won the parliamentary election on April 12, 2026, securing 138 of 199 seats.
The victory ended Viktor Orbán's 16-year rule.
Voter turnout reached nearly 80%, the highest level in Hungary since the collapse of the socialist bloc. Orbán conceded defeat.
