As of Friday, the Hungarian government no longer grants visas for workers from these three countries
Hungary's government has stopped issuing work visas to employees from the Philippines, Georgia and Armenia as of Friday, a government spokeswoman said, calling the move a first step toward regulating the influx of foreign workers.
Prime Minister Peter Magyar's Tisza party, which ended right-wing leader Viktor Orban's 16-year rule following a landslide election victory on April 12, has announced it will stop issuing visas to workers from outside the European Union from June.
The government will restrict employment opportunities for foreign workers, citing concerns that they would drive down local wages, spokeswoman Vanda Szondi told a news conference, Reuters reports.
Some sectors depend on foreign workers
According to official statistics, foreign workers make up only 2% of Hungary's workforce, but some sectors, such as services and manufacturing, are heavily dependent on foreign workers.
Employees already present can still request an extension, and requests already submitted will be evaluated.
The government sees the reforms as a first step towards a long-term solution.
Some of Hungary's biggest foreign investors said a complete halt to the influx of foreign workers would hurt companies and the economy as a whole, Reuters writes.
