In a report published on 27 September, the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Migration and Refugees (SRSG), Leyla Kayacik, highlighted the significant efforts made by the Hungarian authorities at both the national and local levels, in co-ordination with NGOs and volunteers, to welcome, support, and protect people displaced from Ukraine, whether they are in transit to other destinations or choose to stay in the country.

The report, based on the findings of the SRSG’s fact-finding mission to Hungary which took place from 21 to 23 March, examines the response of the country’s authorities to the influx of people, who are forced to flee Ukraine due the Russian Federation’s aggression, outlines the main challenges and offers recommendations for possible avenues of support and co-operation, in line with the Action Plan on Protecting Vulnerable Persons in the Context of Migration and Asylum in Europe (2021-2025).  

The SRSG praised the prompt activation of the national temporary protection scheme that enabled people from Ukraine to easily enter Hungary and gain rapid access to various services even before the EU Temporary Protection scheme was activated.

In meetings with relevant authorities at the national, regional, and local levels, as well as with representatives from NGOs and international organisations, the SRSG was informed about substantial efforts in welcoming individuals from Ukraine. However, there is also a recognition of the necessity for additional endeavours to guarantee their sustained access to services and inclusion in the medium to long run.

This need is particularly highlighted in reforming the asylum system for non-Ukrainian third country nationals, strengthening vulnerability assessment and referral procedures, as well as ensuring access to education and the labour market. Positive examples already exist, especially concerning the facilitation of employment for Ukrainians with a medical background.