Most asylum-seekers are Afghans, Syrians, Pakistanis, Iraqis and Iranians.

Bakondi said 20,000 police officers and 6,000 soldiers took part in guarding Hungary’s southern borders.

As of July 5, 17,800 immigrants had arrived in Hungary illegally. Since then authorities have prevented the entry of 9,700 migrants, he added.

The formation of a new border rangers body is on schedule, Bakondi said, adding that 24,910 applications for border ranger positions were submitted between late August and December 16. From those, nearly 900 people are being trained and another 680 applications are being assessed.

Bakondi said there is no information suggesting any direct threat to Hungary during the Christmas period.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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