Budapest, 13 June 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Hungary's parliament, backed by votes from the right-wing government majority, passed a so-called guest worker law on Tuesday.

The new law is supposed to regulate the employment of non-EU citizens in Hungary. According to the parliament's website, 135 members of parliament voted in favour of the bill presented by Economy Minister Mihály Varga. There were 47 votes against and 10 abstentions from the opposition.

The measures are a reaction by the government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán - which is hostile to migration - to the labour shortage in the EU country. Chinese investors in particular are planning large factories to produce car batteries for e-mobility. Their operation can only be ensured by employing thousands of foreign workers from outside the European Union.   

The new law attaches strict conditions to the hiring and employment of foreigners from non-EU countries. Residence permits can be issued for a maximum of two years and extended for a maximum of one year. Workers must prove that they have a regular income and accommodation. The reunification of relatives is not permitted.

Photo: archive