International literature distinguishes four dimensions of integration for foreign workers: • cognitive integration: when a person learns the language, customs and norms • structural integration: living and working standards and job security, and the chance for upward mobility • social integration: when a person builds up a network of contacts with both fellow migrants and local residents • emotional integration: developing a sense of belonging to the host society With our project we wanted to help this process, as we wanted to help the first steps of the workers and the employers on this long journey.
In recent years, the number of non-EU workers in Hungary has risen very significantly, to more than 80,000. This increase is mainly due to workers from neighbouring countries, Ukraine and Serbia, although the number of workers from the Far East has also been growing recently. The integration of third-country workers is a major challenge, both from a social and labour market perspective. Our country is at an early stage of this process. At present, migration is still manageable, but the expected demographic trends and labour market interests must be addressed. If current economic and demographic trends continues, it is estimated that in the not too distant future Hungary will need to employ 500,000 foreign workers in industry, the service sector, health care and social services. With our project we wanted to help the integration of these workers to the workplace.