Russians and Belarusians in the Union: Beyond the Storm – Essential Facts and Figures

Recent headlines have been abuzz with criticism directed at Hungary for extending its National Card scheme to Russian and Belarusian nationals, easing bureaucratic hurdles when seeking work permits. Critics, most notably the European Parliament, but also the European Commissioner Ylva Johanson, argue that Hungary’s new scheme, which allows for residence permits that can potentially last up to five years with the option for family reunification, poses a security risk to the European Union (EU). In a second European Commission (EC) letter issued at the start of September, clarification was requested on Hungary’s actions, especially in the context of the EU's suspension of visa facilitation agreements with Russia in the summer of 2022.

While Hungary faces backlash for supposedly letting in too many Russian and Belarusian nationals, there is a broader picture that needs consideration. In 2023, despite the visa restrictions, EU member states collectively issued a record 3.7 million first residence permits to non-EU nationals representing a 4.7% increase from the previous year. This statistic reveals a more complex reality: Western-bloc EU countries – despite being more emphatic about their concerns – are issuing permits to Russian and Belarusian nationals at significantly higher rates than Hungary.