EU Raises Concerns Over Hungary's Visa Rules for Russian and Belarusian Workers

Brussels (dpa) – The European Union is expressing significant concern regarding Hungary's recent visa regulations for foreign workers from Russia and Belarus, which could potentially jeopardize EU security. Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People’s Party (EPP), alerted European Council President Charles Michel in a letter, emphasizing that the liberalization of these visa rules poses a “serious risk” to the bloc's safety. Previously, Hungary had a special visa regime for workers from Ukraine and Serbia, but in July, the country expanded this to include eight nations, notably allowing visitors from Russia and Belarus. Under the new regulations, foreign workers can stay in Hungary for two years, with the possibility of extending their stay for three additional years, provided they can demonstrate employment, housing, and health insurance. Weber cautioned that this policy could create significant vulnerabilities, potentially facilitating espionage activities and enabling a large influx of Russians into Hungary with minimal oversight. He urged EU leaders to prioritize discussions on these visa rules at the upcoming summit in October. The Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has faced scrutiny from other EU member states due to its perceived closeness to Russia. Orbán's recent diplomatic engagements in Kiev, Moscow, and Beijing, framed as a “peace mission” to resolve the Ukraine conflict, have further fueled criticism from fellow EU nations.