“A mistake”: Hungary criticized over a new fast-track visa scheme for Russians

Source: DW

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban drew ire after his goverment’s decision to ease visa restrictions for Russian and Belarus

According to reports,  the fast-track procedure  was introduced soon after Orban visited Moscow. The ‘national card’ policy update will allow citizens of 8 countries including Russia and Belarus to work in Hungary for 2 years.

The new policy faces criticism in Hungary’s neighboring countries as it requires no security checks making it possible for Russians to move through much of the EU unhindered.

Budapest earlier said that the program could open the door to around 65,000 foreigners and their families who want to live and work in Hungary.

The European Parliament member Sergey Lagodinsky believes the EU can’t ‘stigmatize all Russians’ though insists that Orban’s move can be a mistake as it gives the Kremlin tools that can weaken Europe.