HUNGARY OFFERS MORE JOBS FOR FILIPINOS UNDER GUEST WORKER PROGRAM

MORE employment opportunities await Filipinos abroad as Hungary expands its Guest Worker Program to include the Philippines in its limited list of partner countries.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said that starting January next year, only Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines will be eligible for Hungary’s Guest Worker Program.

Cacdac personally thanked the Hungarian government during his visit to Budapest for providing employment opportunities to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) under its Guest Worker Program.

The DMW Secretary, along with the Philippine delegation, was warmly received by Minister Sándor Pintér and senior officials of the Ministry of Interior.

During the meeting, Minister Pintér highlighted the positive contributions of Filipino workers to Hungarian society and the workforce, noting that the number of Filipinos working in Hungary has now reached 14,000 and continues to increase.

        Minister Pintér further noted that although Hungary only allows guest workers from countries with which it has a Readmission Agreement, the Philippines is a special exception.

        “We made a good decision because of the high quality of services that Filipinos provide and their proven record as law-abiding people,” he said.

        Cacdac also met with State Secretary Illes Boglarka of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to express gratitude for the admirable efforts of the Hungarian government and to reaffirm our country’s commitment to strengthening and expanding our bilateral relations.

        Cacdac was accompanied by Ambassador Maria Elena Algabre, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan, Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul Jr., Assistant Secretary Julyn Ambito-Fermin, Consul General Jeffrey Salik, Labor Attache Joan Lourdes Lavilla, Vice Consul Jorge Philippe Arjona, Welfare Officer Christelyn Caceres, OIC Chief Cleobelle Romero, and Kenji Riordan Lavilla.

The DMW Secretary expressed the Philippine government’s sincere appreciation for Hungary’s trust and confidence in Filipino workers.

He reaffirmed the DMW’s dedication to ensuring that Filipino workers sent to Hungary continue to uphold the values of professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

        “This partnership with Hungary not only provides meaningful jobs for our workers but also enhances the friendship between our two nations,” Cacdac said.

        The visit is part of the DMW’s ongoing efforts to boost bilateral labor cooperation with host countries and to ensure the welfare and safety of Filipino workers abroad.