Hungary law restricting support for Ukrainians comes into force

A new law has come into force in Hungary which threatens to push thousands of Ukrainian refugees on to the streets or back to Ukraine.

The regulation restricts state support for Ukrainians to those who come from parts of Ukraine directly affected by the fighting caused by Russia’s invasion.

Thirteen regions in Ukraine are on the list, which will be updated monthly by the Hungarian government.

It is not known how many of the 31,000 Ukrainians taking shelter in Hungary will be affected by the new law.

Human rights groups say the most vulnerable are those from the Roma ethnic minority from the westernmost Transcarpathian region, who are still living in shelters which will now close.

Their situation is complicated by the fact that many are dual Ukrainian-Hungarian citizens, who have been refused help elsewhere in the European Union on the grounds they are Hungarian citizens.

The UN refugee agency said the law change will mean an estimated 2,000-3,000 refugees will “lose access to subsidised accommodation”.

“Many face significant barriers in securing alternative housing due to lack of financial means but also reluctance of owners to rent,” the UNHCR said.

“For many, the change will result in job losses and impact school enrolment, jeopardizing the positive integration achievements obtained so far.”

Under the new law, only Ukrainians whose last official address in Ukraine was in an area “directly affected by military operations” remain eligible for state support, which includes free housing and a basic monthly sum.

Government decree 134 changes legislation dating back to 2022 and the start of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.