The Role of Foreign Workers in the Evolution of Employment in the Construction Sector: A Comparative Analysis of Selected Central European Countries

The article brings a novel perspective, integrating a comparative analysis of six countries (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania, and Germany) with the impact of contemporary crises (the pandemic, the war in Ukraine) and the Green Deal on the role of migrants in construction. Its uniqueness lies in capturing the evolution of migrants from cheap labour to skilled professionals in a regional context. The goal of the study is to identify and compare the impact of foreign workers on employment in the construction sector between 2014 and 2024, to provide data for migration and integration policies and projections for the future of the region in the face of demographic and economic challenges. The methodology is based on a mixed approach: quantitative (statistical analysis of data from the CSO, Eurostat, OECD, and national offices) and predictive (extrapolation of trends to 2030). Data for 2024 were estimated based on trends from 2014–2023, considering migration, policies, and demand for skills in sustainable construction. The research sample covers the construction sector in six Central European countries, with a focus on migrants' employment (legal and illegal), their qualification structure, and migration policies. The results show a significant increase in the number of migrants: in Poland by 150% (47,000 to 140,000) and in Germany by 66.7% (278,000 to 504,000), driven by investment and the influx of Ukrainians. The employment structure is evolving – in Poland, the proportion of unskilled workers fell from 75% to 60%, while specialists rose from 5% to 10%. Projections show further growth (Poland: 160,000; Germany: 550,000 by 2030). Liberal policies (e.g. Poland +156%) are more effective in increasing migrant contributions than restrictive ones (Hungary +117%). Recommendations include simplification of procedures, training and integration, and strengthening the role of migrants in sector transformation.