Major Hungarian ID card to be phased out: What is the government up to?
A significant administrative shift is underway in Hungary as the government proposes to eliminate a major ID card, the traditional paper-based social security booklet (known as the TB-kiskönyv). The bill, submitted by Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén and Interior Minister Sándor Pintér, aims to modernise and simplify the system through full digitalisation.
The TB booklet, once used to track employment periods and social security contributions essential for healthcare and pension entitlements, has long been criticised for its outdated format. Typically stored by employers and prone to being misplaced or improperly filled out, it often causes complications during job transitions or when applying for sick leave or pensions, Blikk writes.
Major ID card to be scrapped by government
Under the new legislation (find the bill HERE), the booklet would be replaced by an electronic interface integrated into Hungary’s existing administrative databases. This would enable employers and relevant authorities to access up-to-date information on employment and social security status instantly. The digital system promises faster processing, fewer bureaucratic hurdles, and improved transparency.
The reform also introduces enhanced oversight of healthcare professionals’ working hours. Employers will be able to verify if medical staff are employed elsewhere and track their official working hours and rest periods. This measure is intended to prevent overwork and conflicts of interest, particularly between public healthcare duties and private sector employment.
Additionally, the changes will grant public education institutions access to key identification data of teachers, students, and parents, although sensitive details like marital status will remain protected. The Hungarian State Treasury will also be authorised to cross-check the eligibility of applicants for various social benefits based on detailed digital records.
In summary, the phasing out of the TB booklet marks the end of an administrative relic and paves the way for a more efficient and reliable digital system that serves both employers and employees, while strengthening oversight in critical sectors like healthcare and social services.
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