ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the emigration experiences of Hungary following the democratic transition to a market economy, focusing on emigration to the 'old' member states of the European Union (EU), the EU-15 and in the post-accession period. The destination orientation of Hungarian migrants has also remained remarkably stable irrespective of enlargement and the different labour market regimes of the receiving countries. Emigration decisions are driven by a number of macroeconomic factors, as well as push and impediment factors that are rooted in the home economy, the welfare benefit system and personal and family reasons. The moderate unemployment rate at a low employment level is due to the institutional structure of the labour market and the social benefit system. Regional mobility is modest in Hungary by international comparison. It is likely that the low internal mobility and low international migration are connected. Benefits in Hungary are comparatively generous in terms of child care and social or unemployment benefit, as well as pensions.
