A new law in Hungary is raising concerns about the future of thousands of Ukrainian refugees who have sought shelter in the country since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The legislation, which recently came into effect, limits state support to only those Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing directly from areas of Ukraine most affected by the ongoing war. This shift in policy could push many refugees, including vulnerable groups, onto the streets or force them to return to their war-torn homeland.
Restricting State Support for Refugees
The new law implemented by the Hungarian government narrows the scope of assistance available to Ukrainian refugees. According to the regulation, only individuals who come from regions of Ukraine directly impacted by the conflict with Russia are eligible for state-sponsored housing and financial aid. The Hungarian government has listed 13 regions within Ukraine that qualify as conflict-affected areas, and this list is set to be updated on a monthly basis.
While the exact number of refugees affected by this law is not yet known, Hungary currently shelters approximately 31,000 Ukrainian refugees. Many of these individuals, particularly those who come from regions not recognized as active conflict zones, now face the risk of losing their homes and financial support. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that between 2,000 and 3,000 refugees will be left without subsidized housing as a result of this policy shift.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities
Among the groups hardest hit by the new law are members of the Roma ethnic minority, particularly those from the Transcarpathian region in western Ukraine. Although this region is relatively far from the front lines of the war, many Roma families have fled to Hungary seeking safety and stability. These families are now in a precarious position, as they will no longer qualify for housing support under the new legislation.
Complicating their situation further is the fact that many Roma refugees from Transcarpathia hold dual Ukrainian-Hungarian citizenship. Because of their Hungarian citizenship, they have often been denied refugee assistance in other European Union countries. This leaves them with limited options for finding safety and support outside of Hungary. With shelters now closing and alternative housing options scarce, the fate of these families remains uncertain.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the potential consequences of this policy for the Roma refugees. Many of these families are already marginalized, and the loss of shelter could exacerbate their vulnerability. According to the UNHCR, refugees affected by the new law will face significant barriers in securing alternative housing, due both to financial constraints and reluctance from property owners to rent to them.
Broader Implications for Refugees
The change in Hungary’s refugee policy comes at a time when many Ukrainian refugees are still struggling to rebuild their lives. For those impacted by the law, the loss of housing and financial aid could have far-reaching consequences. The UNHCR warns that many refugees will likely lose their jobs as a result of being forced out of their current accommodations, and the disruption could also affect children’s school enrollment and overall integration into Hungarian society.
Prior to the new legislation, Ukrainian refugees in Hungary were entitled to state support, which included access to free housing and a basic monthly stipend. This assistance was crucial in helping many refugees maintain a sense of stability in their new environment. Now, with the new criteria in place, only those who can prove their last official address was in an area directly affected by military operations will continue to receive such support.
The government decree, known as Decree 134, effectively replaces legislation that had been in place since 2022, at the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. This earlier legislation provided broader support to Ukrainian refugees, regardless of the specific region they came from. The new law, however, reflects a more selective approach to refugee assistance, focusing solely on those fleeing active conflict zones.
Housing Crisis and Social Impacts
The anticipated housing crisis for Ukrainian refugees in Hungary comes as many landlords and property owners remain reluctant to rent to refugees. For those who lose access to state-sponsored accommodation, finding new housing will be a daunting task, especially given the financial challenges many refugees face. Without a stable income or rental history in Hungary, refugees may struggle to meet the requirements set by landlords, leaving them with few alternatives.
The Hungarian government has yet to announce any comprehensive plans to address the growing concerns over housing and the well-being of refugees. As shelters begin to close their doors, and as the number of eligible refugees continues to dwindle, social organizations and human rights groups are calling for more action to prevent a humanitarian crisis.
For refugees who are unable to find housing, returning to Ukraine remains a dangerous and undesirable option. With ongoing military operations in many parts of the country, going back would mean returning to a volatile and unsafe environment. For families with children and individuals with health issues, the risks are particularly high.
A Tense Future for Refugees in Hungary
As the new law takes effect, the future for many Ukrainian refugees in Hungary is uncertain. While the Hungarian government has framed the policy as a necessary measure to streamline support to those most in need, critics argue that it neglects the broader challenges faced by refugees who may not come from the most heavily impacted areas but still require assistance.
The situation in Hungary highlights the difficulties many countries face in managing large refugee populations and ensuring that resources are distributed fairly. However, for the thousands of Ukrainian refugees who now find themselves at risk of losing their homes, the focus is less on policy and more on survival. Whether through continued advocacy by human rights organizations or a reassessment of the government’s approach, it remains to be seen how this issue will be resolved in the coming months.
For now, the affected Ukrainian refugees must navigate an increasingly difficult landscape, as they face the threat of homelessness and uncertainty about their future in a country that has, until now, provided them with a degree of safety and stability.
