Hungary Shuts Door on Foreign Workers: New Government Abolishes Fast-Track Visa System.

Hungary Overhauls Its Immigration Rules

According to Novyny.live: Hungary has stopped issuing new residency permits to non-EU foreign workers. The new government, led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar, has scrapped the simplified employment system introduced by Viktor Orbán’s previous administration. This move marks a major shift in policy, as Magyar signed a decree tightening residency permit rules. For context, this change comes shortly after Magyar took office, signaling a sharp departure from Orbán's more open labor immigration approach.

Under the updated regulations, existing permits will remain valid only until their expiration date, with no possibility of renewal. The Magyar government has also shut down recruitment programs that allowed private agencies to bring in workers from third countries, making it much harder for foreigners to find legal employment. Currently, around 90,000 non-EU nationals work in Hungary, but their pathways to legal work have now been severely restricted.

Labor Market Impact of the New Restrictions

These changes have sparked concern among foreign specialists who previously relied on the simplified hiring process. Countries that send workers to Hungary may also push back against the new limits. The measures reflect a fresh approach by Hungarian authorities toward immigration policy and labor market control.

These immigration policy changes in Hungary highlight the new administration’s growing determination to regulate migrant labor flows and reduce dependence on workers from outside the EU. — Source unknown

The decision could have long-term consequences for Hungary’s economy, as foreign workers make up a significant share of the labor force in sectors like construction and services. As a result, the new restrictions may lead to labor shortages, which in turn could hurt productivity and slow economic growth.