Draft regulation in Hungary: foreign workers can only stay if they are familiar with Hungarian culture

A recent draft regulation from the Ministry of Interior unveils stringent criteria for foreign workers wishing to remain in Hungary, stipulating that they must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Hungarian history and culture. However, permanent stay is still not an option. In addition, the Ministry of Interior is also compiling a list of countries deemed culturally compatible.

Which residence permits are impacted?

As hvg reported, a new law proposes the extension of certain residence permits contingent upon meeting specific social integration benchmarks. It is proposed that foreign workers undergo an examination on Hungarian culture and history, a requirement applicable to the following permit categories:

Residence permit for Guest Self-Employed
Residence permit for employment
Residence permit for Guest Workers
Hungarian card

All these permits afford limited residency in Hungary, renewable only once. For instance, the standard validity period for a residence permit for guest workers is two years, extendable by an additional year. Such permits are typically granted to guest workers employed by priority employers or temporary employment agencies.

What does the examination entail?

While the specifics of the exam remain undisclosed in the draft regulation, detailed guidelines have been published on the Hungarian government‘s website for public debate. As outlined, third-country nationals must demonstrate compliance with social integration criteria by passing a Hungarian cultural knowledge assessment. The examination is structured around eight key topics:

Hungary’s geopolitical positioning in the Carpathian Basin, Europe, and international organisations (UN, Council of Europe, NATO, European Union).
National symbols and festivities of Hungary (coat of arms, flag, crown, national anthem, national holidays).
Significant milestones in Hungarian history (conquest of Hungary, foundation of the state, the fall of the House of Árpád, Turkish occupation, Habsburg rule, the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence, the Reconciliation, World War I and II, the 1956 revolution, the 1990 regime change).
Prominent European and Hungarian figures in fine arts, music and science.
Important figures in European and Hungarian literature.
Fundamental institutions under the Fundamental Law (Parliament, President of the Republic, Government).
Citizens’ rights and duties (freedoms, economic, social and cultural rights, duties of citizens and protection of citizens’ rights).
Integration of Europe and Hungary in daily life.

However, it remains unclear whether these themes will be rigorously examined or merely symbolically acknowledged. We can all agree that there is a huge difference between merely recognising the National Anthem and being able to recite it from memory.

Exemptions from the examination

Individuals granted residence permits for investment purposes are exempt from the examination requirement. Similar to guest worker permits, these permits allow for a stay of up to three years. Additionally, the government has mandated that guest workers brought in for specific projects should ideally be accommodated separately from the resident population, within designated areas. However, they are free to leave these hubs.

The draft regulation also outlines a list of countries whose citizens can obtain extensions without undergoing the exam. Primarily comprising European non-EU nations, such as Balkan states, the UK, San Marino, Monaco, Ukraine, Russia, Armenia and Georgia, this list reflects the government’s recognition of shared cultural ties within Europe.

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