Hungary
Cancellation of guest worker route
The National Directorate for Aliens Policing (OIF) has announced that, effective 6 June 2026, the authorities will no longer accept applications for new guest worker residence permits.
Applications received by 5 June 2026 will continue to be processed provided the administrative submission fee has been paid. Existing permit holders can still apply for an extension or reissuance under the previous rules.
The suspension of the programme is the result of the entry into force, on 5 June 2026, of Government Decree no. 92/2026 on the amendment of Government Decree no. 450/2024 (of 23 December) on the employment of guest workers in Hungary, as well as the withdrawal of Notice no. 2/2025 specifying the list of qualifying countries. Since December 2024, the list has included only three countries – Armenia, Georgia and the Philippines.
The guest worker programme enabled preferential employers to hire third country nationals of qualifying countries to work in Hungary, including via temporary work agencies. The residence permit was valid for up to two years and could be extended for another year.
The amendment to the legislation does not affect the provisions governing applications for residence permits issued for other purposes. Further amendments to the legislation are expected in the future as the government has ordered a review.
United Kingdom
Government launches fast-track referral service and visa fees reimbursement scheme for scale up businesses
The government has announced measures to support scale-up businesses and high potential firms.
The Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups provides financial support to UK-based scale-ups operating in the Clean Energy, Life Sciences, and Digital and Technologies sectors. The scheme will reimburse eligible visa fees incurred on or after 9 June 2026.
Businesses can apply for funding up to GBP 25,000 per year, with a maximum award of £5,000.00 for each international hire and their dependants. There is limited funding available and it will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis: applications are processed in the order they are received, and grants are awarded until the total budget is fully allocated.
To qualify, a business must meet all the following criteria:
- be a UK-based Scale-Up: an enterprise that achieves an average annualised growth rate exceeding 20 per cent in either employment or turnover over a continuous three-year period (the observation period), starting with at least 10 employees at the beginning of this period;
- operate in at least one of the three priority sectors in the scope: Clean Energy, Life Sciences, and Digital and Technologies;
- hold a valid UK visa sponsor licence;
- have already established a presence in the UK;
- recruit eligible hire(s) under an immigration route designated as eligible for the Scheme which are the Skilled Worker, Global Talent, and Scale Up visa routes;
- pass DBT’s standard due diligence and assurance checks prior to grant award;
- have a valid UK bank account to receive reimbursements.
Meanwhile, the Office for Investment fast-track referral process for a UK Expansion Worker sponsor licence is intended to support eligible high-potential international businesses to expand into the United Kingdom more quickly. If accepted, processing time may take around 10 working days (versus 8 weeks standard).
To be eligible, businesses must:
- be receiving ongoing support from the Office for Investment (OfI);
- operate in one of the eight sectors identified as a priority under the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy;
- meet at least one of the following growth criteria:
- Has received at least GBP 1 million venture capital or institutional investment
- Has committed at least GBP 2 million capital investment for UK expansion
- Is part of a government-recognised, high-growth programme (for example, the Global Entrepreneur Programme).
Applications referred by OfI to the Home Office for fast-tracking that are later identified by the Home Office as complex will not be processed within 10 working days and will be subject to standard timelines.
