The move gives potential spies and saboteurs easy access to the EU, the bloc’s Home Affairs commissioner has warned
The EU has asked Hungary to explain its decision to ease visa requirements for certain Russian and Belarusian nationals. The bloc’s Home Affairs commissioner, Ylva Johansson, has warned the move could undermine security.
Budapest has a special fast-track visa regime for certain foreign workers called the national card system. The scheme allows foreigners to work in Hungary for up to two years, has easier requirements for obtaining a work permit and paves the way for a cardholder to apply for permanent residency. Previously, only workers from Ukraine and Serbia were eligible, but in July six countries were added, including Russia and Belarus.
In a post on X (former Twitter) on Thursday, Johansson criticized the move, claiming that “Russia is a security threat” and warning that the EU needs “more, not less vigilance” in dealing…