As of 1 January 2017, 151 100 foreign nationals resided in Hungary, a slight decrease (-3%) on the previous year. Foreigners accounted for 1.5% of the total population. The main origin countries continued to be Romania (24 000), China (19 100) and Germany (18 600).
In 2016, the inflow of foreign nationals to Hungary decreased by about 8% on an annual basis, to 23 800. The number of foreign nationals leaving the country was roughly stable, at 10 500. Overall net migration remained positive.
The sharp decline in the number of asylum applications registered in 2016 continued over the course of 2017. According to Eurostat, in the first eleven months of 2017, applications dropped to 3 185, nine times less than the corresponding figure for 2016. The largest group was Afghan nationals, followed by Iraqis and Syrians. A total of 2 210 substantive decisions were taken in the first quarter of 2017, twice as many as in the corresponding period of 2016. Of the decisions, 3.6% (80 applicants) were positive and accorded protection.
In 2016/2017, the stock of foreign students was nearly 29 000, 10% more than in 2015 and twice the level a decade earlier. The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, launched in 2013 as part of the strategy of the internationalisation of Hungarian education (with a goal of attracting a total of 40 000 international students by 2020), has contributed to this trend.
In 2016, foreign worker inflows increased compared to 2015. According to the National Labour Office, 6 300 new work authorisations were issued (4 930 single permits, 940 individual work permits, and 440 seasonal employment permits), 20% more than in 2015. Registrations of foreign workers exempt from authorisation also rose, to 10 550 (of which 90% for EEA and 10% for neighbouring countries’ nationals). Figures for the first half of 2017 confirm this trend, with 6 380 work authorisations issued and 6 100 new registrations. Inflows of workers from non-EEA countries remained well below the annual quota (set at 49 000 in 2016 and 59 000 in 2017). More than 25% of work authorisations were issued to Ukrainian nationals. Other main groups of recipients were Chinese, Indians and Serbians. Registered foreign workers originated mainly from Romania (two in five), the Slovak Republic, the United Kingdom and Ukraine.
Legislative amendments have facilitated international recruitment for specific groups of foreign workers, or sectors. As of July 2016, recruitment of Serbian and Ukrainian nationals in shortage occupations identified by the Ministry of National Economy (currently including computer scientists, engineers, drivers, nurses and carpenters) is exempt from labour market testing, with the decision being made as quickly as possible. Moreover, seasonal employment of Serbians and Ukrainians for less than 90 days does not require work authorisation. A fast-track procedure for single permit applications is also available to Hungarian employers who have signed a strategic partnership agreement with the government, propose to implement an investment project of national interest, or plan to recruit in shortage occupations. In the case of “preferred employers” the labour authority makes a decision within 8 days, and final decision by the Immigration and Asylum Office (IAO) is made within 21 days. A specific permit for migrant entrepreneurs was also introduced.
The transposition of the EU Directives on seasonal workers and intra-corporate transferees has also resulted in smoother admission procedures for these groups of third-country nationals to the Hungarian labour market since September 2016. The recast Directive on students and researchers was transposed into Hungarian legislation in 2017, with effect from January 2018. In 2016/2017 Hungary signed working holiday agreements with Australia, Chile, Hong Kong, China and Japan; negotiations are ongoing with Argentina.
Amendments to the asylum legislation which became effective in the second half of 2016 tightened the reception, integration and residence conditions of beneficiaries of international protection. Accommodation in open reception centres following recognition of refugee or subsidiary protection status is now offered for a maximum of 30 days (instead of 60 days). The eligibility period for basic health care services was also reduced, from twelve to six months. IAO provides integration support to beneficiaries of international protection who submitted an application for integration support no later than 31st May 2016. Amendments introduced automatic revision of refugee and subsidiary protection status every three years.
As of March 2017, special border control and asylum rules apply in cases of emergency caused by mass influx to Hungary. Asylum seekers have to wait for a final decision of their asylum requests in designated transit zones. The state of emergency was maintained until September 2018.
Under the 2017/2018 edition of the Hungarian Assisted Voluntary Return, Reintegration and Information programme, implemented by IAO in cooperation with IOM, monetary support is no longer available to returnees, except vulnerable migrants and those with chronic diseases (up to EUR 650).
