Parliamentary state secretary Károly Kontrát told a news conference that Hungary’s border police force was preparing for a bigger wave of migrants than ever before and this is why the government had decided to add 3,000 personnel to the force.

Interest in joining the training programme has been intense, he said. So far 4,515 people have applied and already 1,077 are being trained.

The police are still seeking applications from 18-55 year-old Hungarian citizens without a criminal record, a permanent Hungarian residence and a school diploma, he said.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.

MTI photo: Ujvári Sándor