Hungary has expanded the list of countries whose citizens can obtain a residence permit under a simplified procedure. In particular, citizens of Belarus and Russia were added to the list. Such actions caused concern in various EU countries, and the leadership of some states even talked about the possible exclusion of Hungary from the Schengen zone and the EU. Find out what the reasons for concern are and how Hungary is responding

Hungary has simplified entry rules for citizens of Russia and Belarus by including these two countries in its National Card program. Such a decision caused concern among the EU authorities, because it threatens national security. Representatives of European countries have already asked Hungary for an explanation, but the country has not yet responded.

Could such changes jeopardize Hungary's membership in the EU? We will find out further.

How did Hungary change its migration laws?

In July, Hungary introduced a national card that allows "guest workers" from eight countries - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia and Belarus - to come to Budapest without going through security checks.

Under this scheme, citizens of both Russia and Belarus are now eligible to obtain two-year work visas, extendable for a further three years, under simplified rules, and ultimately apply for permanent residence and settle with their families in Hungary.

According to the European People's Party (EEP), Hungary's decision to ease entry rules for Russians and Belarusians will increase the risk of espionage and pose a threat to national security in the EU.

How did the EU countries react to the simplification of migration legislation in Hungary for Russians and Belarusians?

Member of Parliament of Finland Tjutti Tuppurainen said that after the new decision, Hungary should be excluded from the Schengen area.

 Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that the expulsion of Hungary from the Schengen zone also means its exit from the European Union.

Later, 67 members of the European Parliament sent an official letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asking for tougher measures against Hungary if the latter refuses to change its visa policy.

In their letter, the members of the European Parliament stated that the decision to allow "guest workers" from Russia and Belarus to enter the territory of the EU without a permit is irresponsible and poses a significant threat to the security of the member states.

In addition, MEPs stressed that this decision could represent a loophole and potentially jeopardize the functioning of the Schengen area and its role as a safe space for its citizens.

The MEPs also suggested that the EU inform Hungary of the consequences it may face, and emphasized that member states have the right not to recognize visas issued by Hungary to Russians and Belarusians.

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The European Commission appealed to Hungary with a demand to provide an explanation regarding the simplification of the visa regime

After a wave of concern, the European Commission turned to the authorities of Hungary with a demand to provide an explanation regarding the simplification of visa rules for Russians and Belarusians.

In the letter, Hungary was asked to explain the procedure for issuing the "National Card" permit and to what extent the procedure for issuing the document complies with EU legislation.

Hungary was supposed to respond to the request by August 19, but has not yet done so.

Now it is expected that this issue will be discussed during the next meeting of EU foreign ministers, which will take place on August 28.

What is Hungary's position?

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Péter Szijártó, called the comments of the authorities of the Baltic states that his country endangers the security of the borderless Schengen area "a lie". He refers to the fact that European sanctions do not apply to the procedure for issuing a Schengen visa (according to the European Commission, in 2023, 520,000 Russians applied for a Schengen visa, of which only 10% were rejected), i.e. Russians and Belarusians have the right to travel to the Schengen area with a valid visa. At the same time, the procedure for issuing a work permit also includes checking the applicant by the National Police.

Can Hungary be excluded from the Schengen zone?

Experts believe that Hungary will not receive a severe punishment for changing migration legislation. Most likely, European politicians will continue to seek a compromise with Hungary, punishing the country by limiting funding and reducing powers in the European Community.

Read more details about the punishment that Hungary can receive for simplifying migration legislation and the opinion of experts on this issue on the Visit Ukraine portal at the link.

We will remind you! From July 1, 2024, the "Golden Visa" program resumed operation in Hungary. Now foreigners can get a residence permit by investing in the country's economy. Read about available programs in this article.

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Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

To ensure a safe move to Hungary, I advise you to contact a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration abroad.

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