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Pakistani husband of Hungarian woman denied return visa after being sent home to apply
A Hungarian woman expecting her first child has been left facing the prospect of giving birth alone after her Pakistani husband was refused permission to return to Hungary—despite having lived and worked in the country for years. The couple say they followed every official instruction, only to find themselves separated by what they describe as needless bureaucratic obstruction.
Bora and her husband, Muhammad, met in Hungary eight years ago, after the Pakistani national arrived as a guest worker. Their relationship later blossomed into marriage, and the couple have lived together in Hungary for several years. Wanting to formalise their life together, they applied for a family reunification visa—intended for third-country nationals whose spouse and future child reside legally in Hungary.
They passed the test with flying colours
Under current rules, Muhammad was required to return to Pakistan to submit the necessary paperwork at the Hungarian embassy. He travelled home in May and lodged the application shortly afterwards. During this period, the couple were also required to prove the legitimacy of their relationship, a requirement they say they fulfilled without issue.
Soon after Muhammad’s departure, the pair learned they were expecting a child. What should have been a joyful time became a period of uncertainty, as they waited for the visa decision while maintaining their relationship through phone calls and video chats.
He can’t return to his Hungarian wife since August
In early August, however, the Hungarian authorities rejected Muhammad’s application. According to Bora, the reason given was that the couple’s monthly income was deemed insufficient to cover their living expenses. Their appeal was also dismissed, with the refusal upheld on 11 November—just weeks before the woman’s due date.