Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac extended his gratitude to the Hungarian government for continuing to open its doors to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) under its Guest Worker Program during his recent visit to Budapest.
Cacdac and his delegation were warmly welcomed by Hungary’s Minister of Interior Sándor Pintér and senior officials. Minister Pintér commended the Filipino community in Hungary, highlighting their professionalism and discipline in the workplace. He revealed that around 14,000 Filipinos are now employed in the country—a number that continues to rise.
Pintér also emphasized that despite Hungary’s strict policy of accepting guest workers only from nations with Readmission Agreements, the Philippines remains 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.
Beginning January 2025, only three countries—Armenia, Georgia, and the Philippines—will be eligible under Hungary’s guest worker scheme.
During his visit, Cacdac also met with State Secretary Illes Boglarka of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where he reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening bilateral labor cooperation and ensuring the welfare of Filipino workers abroad.
Accompanied by Ambassador Maria Elena Algabre and other officials from the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Cacdac expressed appreciation for Hungary’s continued trust in Filipino workers. “This partnership with Hungary not only provides meaningful jobs for our workers but also enhances the friendship between our two nations,” he said.
