“This is the government’s latest attempt to criminalise and demonise vulnerable people,” AI expert Aron Demeter told MTI, adding that once approved, the legislation would represent a clear breach of EU law and the Geneva Convention.

He cited AI’s European deputy director Gauri van Gulik as saying that the bill was a new reason for the EU to take a resolute stand against the Hungarian government’s “appalling measures that clearly defy international law”.

Lázár announced on Thursday that the government will define a mandatory place of residence for those seeking to immigrate.

This place of residence will be on the border, where containers holding 200-300 will be erected. Asylum applicants will be required to await assessment there, Lázár said.

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