The Hungarian government will suspend work visas for citizens of Georgia, Armenia and the Philippines starting Friday, Reuters reported.
Government spokeswoman Vanda Szondi said the authorities are tightening employment opportunities for foreign workers over concerns that they are pushing down local wages.
Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s Tisza party has said it would stop issuing visas to workers from outside the European Union from June.
Foreign workers make up around 2% of Hungary’s workforce, according to official statistics, although certain sectors, including services and manufacturing, rely heavily on migrant labour.
Reuters said the government will amend a decree that previously allowed employment agencies to recruit workers from the Philippines, Georgia and Armenia through a simplified procedure.
Workers already in Hungary will reportedly still be allowed to apply for visa extensions.
