European Commissioner: Hungary's new visa regulations undermine the protection of the Schengen area
The European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, is concerned about the new regulations adopted by Hungary regarding the visa regime for foreign workers from Russia and Belarus, reports dpa.
According to the Commissioner, who demanded explanations from the Hungarian government, the regulations threaten to undermine the protection of the Schengen area. Ylva Johansson's letter comes after Budapest extended the previously adopted special visa regime for foreign workers from Ukraine and Serbia to eight countries, including Russia and Belarus in July.
Thus, foreign workers can stay in Hungary for two years and can extend their stay for another three years as often as they wish. Also, they can practice any profession. They only have to prove that they are employed, have a place to stay and have health insurance in Hungary.
These regulations have sparked outrage in the European Union. The president of the European People's Party (EPP), Manfred Weber, warned in a letter to the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, that these regulations could pose a "serious risk" to the security of the community bloc.
