Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó has said that Hungary is providing illegal immigrants with care in accordance with international conventions – but only at reception centres and refugee camps.
In response to a question, the Minister said that in recent days “many untruthful accusations” have been levelled against Hungary for an alleged failure to take proper care of migrants arriving in the country illegally. He said that the truth, however, is that Hungary is complying with the provisions of all relevant international conventions in its practices at the locations where immigrants are supposed to go upon arrival in the country, namely reception centres and refugee camps.
The Minister emphasised that “No one can expect us to make on-the-spot provision for people who have occupied public spaces on an ad hoc basis”. This will not change in the future either: there will be no food, water or medical care provided at public spaces occupied in this way. Immigrants will only be provided with these at designated locations, which they will be taken to.
Mr. Szijjártó pointed out that EU regulations forbid restrictions on people’s freedom to leave reception centres at will; concluding asylum procedures becomes impossible, however, when illegal immigrants leave Hungary immediately after filing for asylum and being registered.