in the face of labor shortages, the country that has erected an anti-migrant wall is forced to recruit foreigners

In 2015, the government of Viktor Orbán erected a wall of barbed wire to protect itself from migrants. Today, Budapest issues invitations to foreign workers through temp agencies. In the south of Hungary, in Kistelek, a factory of the multinational Prysmian, which produces cables for the automotive industry, has seen 20 new employees join its ranks. All are from Indonesia. Faced with a growing demand for labour, it was necessary to recruit at all costs.

A godsend for Hamdani, a 20-year-old Indonesian who came to work after obtaining a two-year renewable visa. “I have benefits like a room to sleep in, they pay me transportation, and my salary is much better than in Indonesia. I get around 700 euros, that’s two or three more than in Indonesia.” Remuneration higher than the Hungarian minimum wage, set at 490 euros gross.

“It is really difficult to employ Hungarians”

This choice of immigration delights Tiago Campelo, director of human resources of the company. “When our employees retired, we couldn’t replace them. There is a change in traditions, in work habits, notes the manager. It is really difficult to employ Hungarians, while our labor needs are growing. That’s why we started this project, so that these people can work together, hand in hand, like today.”

This new workforce benefits from certain advantages, such as the provision of an archive room transformed into a prayer room. “It’s important because the majority of Indonesians are Muslim. We can pray at work, so it’s good for us.” rejoices Hamdani.

Excerpt from “Chosen immigration: the Hungarian example”, broadcast in “We, the Europeans”, April 20, 2023.

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