In EU, Hungary may restrict access to jobs

Hungary may bar unskilled and low-paid workers coming from other central European states, matching protectionist moves by most European Union members.

The EU will expand into eastern Europe, including Hungary, on May 1, and concerns have resurfaced in Western states about a tide of cheap eastern labour and prompted a re-think on promises of open market access.

Only Ireland has stuck to its pledge to welcome workers from eastern Europe.

Now Hungary, one of eight ex-communist states joining the EU, is worried that if Polish or Slovak workers cannot seek jobs in the West they may flock south looking for work.

In an interview, Hungary's Labour Minister Sandor Burany told Reuters that if Hungary's labour market risked being distorted, he may have to restrict the type and number of people who will be allowed in.

"We did not expect a major inflow from other entrants, but that may well change if too many (EU) member states close their doors," Minister Burany said. "We, too, are allowed protective measures and will resort to them should the flow prove excessive."

He said it looked increasingly likely that the tiny labour market in Hungary, which has a population of about 10 million, may come under additional pressure.

Under pressure from rightist media and concerned that a tide of unskilled migrant labour could feed nationalism, EU states are opting to bring down the shutters on eastern workers for between two and a maximum seven years.

Most studies show the scale of eastern migration in search of better-paid jobs is likely to be less than many have feared.

Minister Burany's comments echoed those of Peter Balazs, Hungary's European Commission nominee, who said last week that Budapest may have to act to keep out low-paid Polish labourers.