Hungary: Information for stateless people and those at risk of statelessness fleeing Ukraine
2. ROUTES TO INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION
Routes to protection in Hungary are limited. Refugee status and subsidiary protection are not available to
people fleeing Ukraine due to restrictive legal rules. The options are Temporary Protection based on EU law
or Statelessness Status. Hungary has limited eligibility for Temporary Protection to Ukrainian nationals, their
family members, and refugees and their family members recognised in Ukraine prior to 24 February 2022. All
other non-Ukrainian and non-EU nationals should apply for Asylum under the general rules. However, since
May 2020, it is not possible to apply for Asylum from within Hungary. Anyone wishing to apply must first travel
to a Hungarian embassy in Kyiv or Belgrade, submit a statement of intent, and await approval from the
Hungarian authorities to travel to Hungary to submit the application. Temporary Protection is summarised in
the table below (for Statelessness Status see Section 3).
The Hungarian Helsinki Committee advises people not eligible for Temporary Protection in Hungary to seek
its free legal advice as soon as possible.
Temporary Protection (menedékes)
What is it?
Can stateless and/or
undocumented
persons apply?
Where to apply?
Procedure & rights
Rights upon
recognition
Temporary protection for Ukrainian nationals, their family members, and refugees
and their family members recognised in Ukraine prior to 24 Feb 2022
No (unless they meet the above eligibility criteria)
At any of the few "collection points” in the border area; or at any immigration
office (OIF) during opening hours
First provide data through an electronic data recording platform (a dedicated app
or the Enter Hungary Platform), then appear in person before the asylum
authority to formally apply for temporary protection; decision within 45 days,
applicant must prove Ukrainian nationality or refugee status, or family member of
a recognised refugee; if no documents authorities will ask more detailed questions
at a hearing; right to accommodation, food and medical care; right to obtain a
work permit (and facilitated access to certain forms of employment); appeal to
court possible within 8 days from the negative decision, court decision within 60
days
Identity card, protection for up to 3 years; right to social security, accommodation,
food, medical care, easier procedure to obtain work permit, right to work in
certain positions without a special work permit, right to health care and education
for children, financial assistance
For more information, see:
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Hungarian Helsinki Committee, Information and legal assistance for refugees from Ukraine
UNHCR Hungary, Temporary Protection
Ukraine 2022, Information on how to submit an application for recognition as beneficiary of temporary
protection and use the electronic data recording platform
Information on hotspots to apply for temporary protection
European Commission, Information for people fleeing the war in Ukraine
EU Asylum Agency, Who is Who in International Protection, Temporary Protection overview
European Council on Refugees and Exiles, Information Sheet
KIND & Child Circle, Note on unaccompanied children fleeing Ukraine