A new law in Hungary is set to significantly impact thousands of Ukrainian refugees, potentially leaving many homeless or forcing them to return to Ukraine. This regulation limits state support exclusively to individuals hailing from regions in Ukraine directly impacted by the ongoing conflict triggered by Russia’s invasion.
Currently, thirteen specific regions in Ukraine qualify for this aid, with the Hungarian government committing to update this list on a monthly basis. As of now, the exact number of the 31,000 Ukrainians seeking refuge in Hungary who will be affected by this legislative change remains unclear.
Human rights advocates are particularly concerned for the vulnerable Roma ethnic minority from the western Transcarpathian region, many of whom are living in shelters that are now at risk of closure. Compounding their challenges, numerous individuals in this group hold dual Ukrainian-Hungarian citizenship but have faced obstacles in securing aid from other European Union countries, citing their Hungarian citizenship as a reason for denial.
The UN refugee agency has reported that this law change could result in approximately 2,000 to 3,000 refugees losing access to subsidized accommodation. The agency noted that many individuals face significant challenges in finding alternative housing due to financial constraints and landlords’ hesitancy to rent.
The ramifications of this law extend beyond housing; many refugees are at risk of job losses and disruptions in school enrollment, which could undermine the positive integration progress made thus far. Under the new legislation, only those Ukrainians whose last official residence was in an area “directly affected by military operations” will qualify for state support, which includes subsidized housing and a basic monthly allowance.
This government decree amends existing legislation established in 2022, coinciding with the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
