Hungary Asserts that Relaxing Residency & Work Permits for Specific Nationals Complies with EU Law

Key Points

1. EU Affairs Minister János Bóka asserts that EU countries issuing residency and work permits with streamlined processes for specific nationals does not breach EU law.
2. Fidesz MEP Andras Laszlo highlighted that since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, European countries have issued 687,239 visas to Russian nationals.
3. Mi Hazank MEP Zsuzsanna Borvendeg emphasized Hungary’s expectation that other countries respect its laws and customs.

Hungary’s EU Affairs Minister, János Bóka, clarified that easing the procedural requirements for residency and work permits for certain nationals is not in violation of EU law. He emphasized that Hungary remains committed to its obligations under the EU legal framework while applying its National Card procedure. Bóka further noted that Hungary adheres to all Schengen security regulations for third-country nationals applying for residency under this scheme.

Bóka pointed out that, like other EU member states, Hungary offers various types of residence permits to non-EU nationals, including the National Card Program, which complies with EU law. He stated that easing procedural burdens for specific nationals is within the bounds of EU regulations, and Hungary continues to implement necessary security controls to protect the Schengen Area.

Controversy arose after Hungary relaxed entry rules for Russian and Belarusian nationals via its National Card Program, leading to criticism from other EU countries and calls for Hungary’s removal from the Schengen Zone. However, Fidesz MEP Andras Laszlo revealed that European countries have issued over 687,200 visas to Russians since the start of the Ukraine conflict, with Hungary accounting for less than one per cent of those.

Meanwhile, Mi Hazank MEP Zsuzsanna Borvendeg called for respect for Hungary’s laws and customs, criticizing the EU for its alleged double standards, noting that millions of illegal migrants have entered Europe without proper security checks. Borvendeg also urged the EU to reimburse Hungary with €2 billion for its border protection efforts.