Asylum rules, fence, transit zones guarantee Hungary, EU safety, says Orbán’s cabinet

A combination of Hungary’s asylum rules, the fence along Hungary’s southern border and transit zones are guaranteeing the country’s security, and the European Union, the deputy head of parliament’s national security committee said in Röszke on Monday.

Szilárd Németh paid a visit to the transit zone established at the border crossing with Serbia.

There are currently 221 asylum seekers staying in the transit zone that can accommodate families and minors aged between 14 and 18 in 4-5 person containers, he told a press conference.

The transit zone provides community spaces, kitchens, washrooms, children’s rooms, playgrounds and a room for prayers, he said, adding that it also ensures permanent medical care, he said.

Police officers carry out their duties lawfully and keep a record of any exceptional incidents, he said, adding that no record showed instances that required the use of force.

He said that a total of 1,340 asylum applications had been ruled on since the start of the year in individual procedures that take 33 days on average.

A total of 125 applicants have been granted asylum or international protection in a first instance ruling, he said.

Appeals have been submitted concerning 136 rejections affecting 450-500 people, said Németh.

Data show that asylum seekers, an increasing number of whom are under greater international protection in the transit zones, are staying put and awaiting a final ruling on their applications instead of travelling on to western Europe illegally, he said.

Photo: MTI

Source: MTI