The government of Hungary takes the position that illegal, mass immigration is a problem that affects Europe as a whole and poses serious security risks. It may also determine the future of the continent for a number of decades.
Situated on the frontline, Hungary is particularly exposed to the effects of mass immigration. The number of immigrants entering the European Union through the country has reached as high as four hundred thousand in one year.
The Hungarian government opposes illegal immigration through every means possible. We need to improve the security of citizens. Our aim is that Europe should continue to be the best place on Earth to live. In the spirit of this endeavour, the government has presented a package of bills to Parliament.
The most important provisions in these bills are as follows:
Every organisation that supports illegal immigration by using foreign financial resources would be registered and obliged to report on its activity.
A tax would be imposed on the foreign funding of organisations supporting illegal immigration. This public income would be invested in border protection.
It would be possible to issue restraining orders against those who take part in organising illegal immigration. In essence, such restraining orders would apply in any area that is within 8 kilometres of the Schengen border. In special cases, a third-country citizen would be subject to a restraining order anywhere within Hungary. This measure would remain in force until the end of the migration crisis.
Last year’s national consultations showed the Hungarian public opinion is nearly unanimous on the issue and authorizes the government to take action -- 1.7 million people took part and expressed their opinion in a national consultation last spring, while 2.3 million people did so last autumn. According to the results, Hungarians want illegal immigration to be dealt with once and for all. They call for strengthened border protection instead of resettlement. The government is also supported by the 3.3 million people who rejected the resettlement of illegal immigrants in a national referendum in October 2016.
The Hungarian government is prepared to take part in open discussions in connection with the bills. It is fulfilling its international obligations, while also enacting democratic measures to counter the damaging activities of international networks that threaten the safety of Hungary by organising illegal immigration.