EU awaits Hungary’s reply on eased entry rules for Russians, Belarusians

The European Commission's deadline for Hungary to address questions regarding the relaxation of entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian nationals expired on August 19.

Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson had sent a letter to Hungarian counterpart Sándor Pintér at the beginning of August, seeking an explanation for recent changes to Hungary's immigration policies, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

These changes have eased entry requirements for Russians and Belarusians seeking to work in Hungary, allowing "guest workers" to stay for up to two years with the option to extend for an additional three years.

While the issuance of long-stay visas and residence permits is within the jurisdiction of individual member states, Johansson emphasized that such schemes must be carefully managed to avoid compromising the integrity of the Schengen Area, which operates without internal border controls, and to address potential security concerns.

"The extension of streamlined processing for residence and work permit applications for Russian and Belarusian citizens could effectively undermine the Union's imposed restrictions," the letter added.

Johansson requested that Budapest respond to an annex of questions "no later than August 19."

A European Commission spokesperson confirmed to Euractiv that, as of Monday afternoon, no response had been received.