{"id":98347,"date":"2024-07-31T13:09:33","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T10:09:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/98347\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T20:10:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T20:10:49","slug":"hungarys-top-diplomat-defends-simplified-entry-for-belarusians-russians","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/pozirk.online\/en\/news\/98347\/","title":{"rendered":"Hungary\u2019s top diplomat defends simplified entry for Belarusians, Russians"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n (Unsplash.com \/ Keszthelyi Timi)<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

July 31, Pozirk<\/em>.<\/strong> The expansion of Hungary’s National Card program to Belarusians and Russians does not threaten Schengen zone’s security, Hungarian Foreign Minister P\u00e9ter Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 said on Facebook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program allows people to work in Hungary for up to two years, offering other advantages over work and business visas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 accused the Baltic states of a propaganda campaign against Budapest, in an apparent reference to yesterday\u2019s reaction by Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, who said Vilnius was \u201cunpleasantly surprised” by Hungary\u2019s move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landsbergis called for a joint European action, citing security threats and requesting the European Commission to assess Budapest\u2019s decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nationals of Belarus and Russia can enter Hungary and other Schengen countries only with a valid entry visa and are required to obtain residence permits according to the established procedures, Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 responded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The issue of residence permits remains within national jurisdictions, he added, defending Hungary’s right to establish its rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials from the Baltic states should focus on informing their voters rather than starting another campaign of lies, Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hungary is the only European Union member to maintain official contacts with the Belarusian government, accused of human rights abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Budapest has aligned itself with the EU sanctions against Minsk, but Hungarian officials have repeatedly stated their opposition to that policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last September, Alaksandar \u0141uka\u0161enka accepted credentials from Hungary\u2019s Zita Bencsik, the only EU ambassador to present credentials to the Belarusian ruler after the disputed presidential election on 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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