Tension Rises as European Commission Considers Visa Restrictions for Russian and Belarusian Nationals
The European Commission and some member states have been causing political tensions over Hungary’s National Card program, according to a recent statement by János Bóka, the Minister for European Union Affairs. In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Bóka emphasized the need to put a stop to this situation, stating that “the facts speak for themselves.”
The National Card Program is designed to allow third-country nationals to find employment in Hungary by applying for the card. While workers from Ukraine and Serbia have traditionally come to Hungary using National Cards, the program has recently been extended to include applicants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, northern Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Russia, and Belarus.
Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has refuted claims that Hungary’s extension of the National Card Program to Russia and Belarus poses a security risk to the Schengen area, noting that strict visa and residence permit procedures are in place for citizens of these countries.
Minister Bóka stressed that the same migration and security screening procedures will be applied to National Card applicants, in line with EU standards. He highlighted that Hungary has not changed its practices and that the European Commission has not raised objections to the Hungarian regulation thus far.
The Minister also pointed out that only a small number of Russian and Belarusian citizens residing in the EU are currently in Hungary, and Hungary issues only a fraction of the residence permits granted to citizens of these countries.
Interior Minister Sándor Pintér emphasized to the European Commissioner for Home Affairs the importance Hungary places on protecting its national security and the security of the Schengen area. Hungary’s commitment to safeguarding the external borders of the EU contributes to the overall security and functioning of the Schengen area.
In conclusion, Hungary is standing by its National Card Program, emphasizing its adherence to security measures and EU standards. The government remains committed to facilitating legal employment opportunities for third-country nationals while prioritizing security concerns for both the country and the Schengen area.
