Returning Home and Starting Anew
How Can We Help Hungarians Returning from Abroad Integrate into the Job Market?
The Four Pillars of Social Integration
For Hungarian families and individuals returning from abroad, starting anew requires significant effort. Successful social integration involves four key areas:
Labour market integration
Opening communication channels
Strengthening patriotism and national identity
In this article, we explore the challenges of labour market integration and possible pathways to overcoming them.
Key Challenges in Labour Market Integration
Returning Hungarians often start from a disadvantaged position that represents a significant gap not only compared to those already living in Hungary, but also to individuals arriving from within the European Union. The current domestic support structure—particularly in the area of entrepreneurship—is not adequately equipped to address the complex challenges that arise after returning home.
What Neighbouring Countries Are Already Doing
Romania – Start-Up Nation:
Non-repayable grants of up to HUF 16 million
Requirement: Establishment of a new company and creation of at least two jobs
Poland – Powroty Program:
Financial and advisory support
Requirement: Proof of at least 12 months of residence abroad
These models actively encourage return migration and support economic reintegration.
Currently Available Support in Hungary
In Hungary, the current support for starting a business includes:
Provision of minimum wage support for 6 months
Non-repayable grant of HUF 2 million
However, this does not adequately compensate either for the financial situation of returning Hungarians or for their lack of familiarity with the legal and economic environment.
Costs and Barriers to Returning Home
Especially for those returning from overseas:
Shipping personal belongings: extremely expensive
Customs procedures: often discouraging, bureaucratic, and unpredictable
Alternative: starting a new life with only two suitcases
This level of vulnerability discourages many from returning home.
Proposed Program and Strategy
The objective of the Hazatartók Association is to:
Establish partnerships with the government
Develop joint programs supporting the economic integration of returning Hungarians
Provide financial and professional support for starting businesses
Special attention must be given to individuals over the age of 50 who are often disadvantaged in the labour market, despite their knowledge and experience, which are valuable resources.
Involvement of Employment Agencies
Following consultations with the government:
Establish cooperation with employment agencies
Objective: develop the most effective integration models
Key priority: labour market integration of older age groups
These agencies possess the networks and tools necessary to ensure that the skills of returning Hungarians can be effectively utilized.
Barriers to the Recognition of Qualifications
The current legal framework (Act XCVII of 2009) is inflexible:
The Educational Authority does not take ENIC/NARIC recommendations into sufficient consideration
There is no possibility to individually assess qualifications that do not follow the Bologna system
Proposed Solution:
Updating the legal framework to allow proper consideration of international education systems. The goal is not indiscriminate recognition but the establishment of a fair and professionally grounded assessment system.
Returning Hungarians are not beginners but valuable individuals who have already proven themselves elsewhere. Now it is our responsibility to provide them the opportunity to prove themselves at home as well. A modern, open, and economically competitive country cannot afford to waste this knowledge, experience, and loyalty.