Hungary: Transit country between East and West

Uncle Cohen is speaking about his life: "I was born under the monarchy, I went to school in Czechoslovakia, I got married in Hungary, worked in the Soviet Union, and I am a Ukrainian citizen." One listener remarks, "You are a much travelled person." "Not at all," Uncle Cohen answers, "I never left my hometown...„ http://www.migrationinformation.org/Profiles/display.cfm?ID=181

As this popular anecdote illustrates, migration to and from Hungary can only be understood in the context of frequent changes to the political map of central and eastern Europe.

Hungary's special characteristics are rooted in this history of fluid borders, as well as the strong migratory tendencies of people of Hungarian ancestry who are citizens of neighbouring countries. Today, mainly as a result of these factors, roughly three million ethnic Hungarians live in nearby countries. The country's geographical location, which has placed it in the path of important European events, is also key. Moreover, the current nature of Hungary's economy and society, which are in transition, offers special opportunities to migrants, especially those from eastern Europe. The combination of these factors has made Hungary what it is today: a sending, transit, and destination country for migration.

Census 2001 recognised 16 ethnic groups in Hungray. Ethnic structure according to 2001 census: (based on self-determination) Russians: 5,144 or 0.05% Slovenes: 4,832 or 0.04% Chinese: 2,915 or 0.03% Arabs: 2,367 or 0.02% Bulgarians: 2,316 or 0.02% Rusyns: 2,079 or 0.02% Armenians: 1,165 or 0.01% Africans: 321 or 0.00% Turks: unknown, but formed a small community. Hungarians: 9,627,057 or 94.40% Roma: 205,720 or 2.02% Germans: 120,344 or 1.18% Slovaks: 39,266 or 0.38% Croats: 25,730 or 0.25% Romanians: 8,482 or 0.1% Ukrainians: 7,393 or 0.07% Serbs: 7,350 or 0.07% Greeks: 6,619 or 0.06% Poles: 5,144 or 0.05%

http://upload. wikimedia http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c5/Hungary%2C_minorities%2C_in_the_remainder%2C_as_of_2001.png

Migration The main focus of Hungarian migration policy is the regulation of foreigners’ entry to the labour market. Entry is restricted for those who are not citizens or permanent residents of EU countries or who do not enjoy preference due to some other reasons. There is no explicit immigration preference in the Hungarian immigration regulations, except for some rules for ethnic Hungarians. The rights associated with employment are favourable for those who found work, however, when trying to find, migrants in Hungary face both unfavourable eligibility provisions and labour market integration measures. Third country nationals face restrictions on their access to education and training. Trade unions do not represent migrants and collective agreements do not address the issue either. http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/studies/tn0807038s/hu0807039q.htm

http://www. eurofound. europa. eu/ewco/studies/tn0807038s/hu0807039q http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/studies/tn0807038s/hu0807039q.htm

The main focus of Hungarian migration policy is the regulation of foreigners’ entry to the labour market. Entry is restricted for those who are not citizens or permanent residents of EU countries or who do not enjoy preference due to some other reasons. There is no explicit immigration preference in the Hungarian immigration regulations, except for some rules for ethnic Hungarians. The rights associated with employment are favourable for those who found work, however, when trying to find, migrants in Hungary face both unfavourable eligibility provisions and labour market integration measures. Third country nationals face restrictions on their access to education and training. Trade unions do not represent migrants and collective agreements do not address the issue either. http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/studies/tn0807038s/hu0807039q.htm