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Ukrainians Not Asians Fill Seasonal Labour Gap in Hungary

• 8 Jul 2026 9:13 AM
• Hungary Around the Clock

Ukrainian guest workers are likely to account for the largest share of seasonal agricultural labour in Hungary, particularly in the harvesting of elderberries, peppers and peaches, according to employment agency Menton Jobs.

The company said employers had initially sought to recruit Asian workers for around half of their seasonal labour needs, but the necessary permits were not granted.

As a result, nationwide recruitment campaigns were launched, with a focus on northeastern Hungary.

However, many applicants later withdrew, while pensioners and students have shown limited interest in seasonal farm work.

According to Menton Jobs, this has left Ukrainian workers as the most practical source of labour for meeting agricultural demand.

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