Hungary sees promotion of labour market access and educational inclusion for migrants

UNHCR publishes guide for employers seeking to hire refugees 

UNHCR published A Guide for Employers in Hungary, a practical resource for companies aiming to hire refugees. It explains the legal, practical, and social aspects of refugee employment and promotes inclusive, sustainable hiring practices that benefit both businesses and employees. 

The guide emphasises the economic and social advantages of employing refugees and provides a step-by-step overview of legal procedures, including documentation, permits, and compliance, to help employers navigate the process confidently. Beyond recruitment, the guide explores how to create refugee-sensitive workplaces that foster inclusion, retention, and productivity. It also highlights ways to support employees through mentorship, language learning, and integration initiatives. A best-practice case study from IKEA illustrates successful implementation, and the guide concludes with useful links and resources for employers. 

AIDA country report 2024 

The 2024 update of the Asylum Information Database (AIDA) country report on Hungary provides a comprehensive overview of developments in Hungary's asylum and migration policies.  

Positive developments identified in the report include a decrease in the number of rejected citizenship applications and an increase in the number of successful family reunifications. Read the full report here. 

Online migrant integration platform launched 

Developed via participatory research under the Artemisszió Foundation’s SHAPE Project, Navigate Hungary is a new online information platform created by migrants for migrants.  

The platform provides practical, accessible guidance on everyday life. It offers support with learning Hungarian through free or paid courses, accessing translation services and navigating Hungarian transportation, banking, shopping, and communication. It also offers detailed information on healthcare access, employment rights, education and housing systems. There are additional resources on cultural integration, NGO services and community support, along with an FAQ section. 

Promoting labour market access for people displaced from Ukraine 

The employment department of the Budapest Metropolitan Government Office (Budapesti Fővárosi Kormányhivatal Foglalkoztatási Főosztály), in cooperation with Terre des Hommes Hungary, is offering group and individual employment counselling designed specifically for people displaced from Ukraine. The collaboration provides practical, hands-on support to help participants understand employment options, prepare for job interviews, and navigate administrative processes - all essential steps towards economic integration. Interested participants must register online. 

Promoting safety and inclusion for migrant bicycle couriers 

The Hungarian Cyclists’ Club (Magyar Kerékpárosklub) adopted an inclusive approach to supporting its third-country national (TCN) bicycle couriers. Using municipal funding it published multilingual flyers — in Urdu, Vietnamese and Hungarian — on local traffic rules and cycling norms. Distributed directly to couriers on the street, the flyers serve to promote conversation and inclusion and to reduce the risk of fines for migrant couriers. 

The club has so far reached approximately 200 couriers and expects to reach more than double this number overall, with the information in turn being disseminated within extended migrant communities. In a context of long working hours and limited language skills, this model shows how supportive outreach can enhance safety and inclusion across EU cities. 

Informal support for LGBTQI+ migrants 

There is growing recognition in Hungary of the distinct, intersectional challenges faced by LGBTQI+ migrants and asylum seekers. In recognition of this, the Háttér Society - Hungary’s oldest, largest LGBTQI+ organisation - launched the Queer Community Group for Foreigners.  

This new initiative aims to create an inclusive, welcoming space for students, migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees living in Hungary, where participants (both those newly arrived and those more established in the country) can connect, share experiences, and build a sense of community. Each session encourages open discussion, with members invited to propose topics and activities, ensuring the group evolves in line with the interests and needs of its participants. 

New initiative promotes educational inclusion for migrant students 

The Suliban Maradni Programme, established by the Karácsony Sándor Public Foundation, is working to address social inclusion and equal opportunity for high school students in Budapest’s 8th district.  

Running for two years from 1 February 2026, the programme will offer financial assistance and mentorship to support students in obtaining their high school diploma and is open to all motivated young people, regardless of previous academic results. It places particular emphasis on supporting those most in need, including refugee and migrant youth living in the district. Those interested in participating must complete an application form and will be invited for interview.