The government is expected to decide on restrictions on the employment of guest workers from countries outside of the European Union in the coming week, a government spokesperson said on Monday.

WHC said it called for meaningful consultations before a political decision as it believes the planned ban on the import of guest workers from June 1 would endanger the Hungarian economy and jobs and could paralyse production.

WHC said the 400,000 inactive people mentioned by the government cannot provide an immediate solution to the daily workforce needs of businesses.

In order to turn them into productive employees, a complex collaboration of government and companies, rehabilitation and retraining is needed.

WHC cited a recent survey showing that the employment of guest workers has become an inevitable part of the operation of Hungarian companies.

The stability of the economy, the retention of foreign direct investment and the protection of existing Hungarian jobs can only be ensured along a predictable, gradual labour market strategy aligned with market realities, WOC added.

VOSZ said the regulation of the employment of guest workers must be reviewed, but not with a sudden ban, but with targeted tightening, transparent monitoring, transitional rules and the real mobilisation of inactive domestic workers.

Tourism association say foreign workers are essential

The Hungarian Hotels and Restaurants Association (MSZESZ) and the Hungarian Hospitality Employers' Association (VIMOSZ) hope for constructive professional consultation on introducing stricter measures for the employment of third party country nationals as they are essential for dealing with sectoral labour shortage.

Several tourist attractions, restaurants, and accommodations in Budapest would not be able to operate if it were impossible to employ foreign workers from third party countries, VIMOSZ head Pal Zoltan Gal said this Wednesday.

They indicated to the new government through informal channels, together with other professional organisations, that a responsible policy should be pursued on this issue, taking into account economic aspects, he added.

He called the timing of the introduction of the regulation during the summer peak season particularly unpleasant, because they could handle the measures much better later.

MSZESZ said the hotel-restaurant-catering sector is highly labour-intensive. It is currently struggling with a significant labour shortage and therefore continues to need alternative employment solutions.

The organisation also noted that several restrictions on the employment of third party country workers have come into force in the past two years, which have posed serious challenges.


Photo: Pixabay.com

Source: MTI – Hungary’s national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent.

Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media.

XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com

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