PH, Hungary working on bilateral labor ties amid Hungarian worker residence permit amendments

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are working to strengthen bilateral relations with the Hungarian government amid its amended legislation on guest worker residence permits.

“Through the DFA, we will continue our lines of open communication and very strong bilateral labor relations with Hungary,” DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac said in a press briefing on Sunday.

Cacdac’s statement came after the Hungarian government amended its legislation on guest worker residence permits, stating that from June 6, 2026, citizens of eligible third countries can no longer apply for a new permit.

Under the Hungarian guest worker program, eligible applicants are citizens of Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines.

Budapest said the amendment will not affect the validity of residence permits for guest workers and residence permits for employment purposes issued before June 5, 2026.

Holders of valid residence permits for guest workers and residence permits for employment purposes may remain in Hungary until their permits expire.

Meanwhile, applications for residence permits for employment purposes can still be accepted in accordance with the applicable regulations in Hungary.

Cacdac said DMW is still assessing affected Filipinos already in or planning to work in Hungary.

He also assured Filipinos that measures are in place for continued employment for Filipinos already in Hungary.

“The government decree suspends the possibility of employing third-country nationals under a guest worker residence permit scheme primarily used by temporary staffing agencies. Under the accelerated guest worker procedure, which means there is a possibility for employment through direct employers,” Cacdac said.

“So ganoon lang muna. I'll leave it at that because the rest will have to be on the basis of our existing bilateral labor relations, bilateral labor engagements with Hungary through the DFA,” he added.

(So, I’ll leave it at that for now. The rest will have to be based on our existing bilateral labor relations and engagements with Hungary through the DFA.)

In a social media post, the Philippine Embassy in Hungary urged Filipinos to only obtain information on residence and employment regulations from the Hungarian government or the Embassy.

“The Embassy, including the Labor Office of the Philippine Embassy in Budapest (LOPEB), continues to monitor further announcements from the Hungarian government,” the Embassy said. —RF, GMA News