Hungary: Orbán threatens refugee relief organizations with closure

Hungarian NGOs that help refugees and asylum seekers could be punished with high fines in the future. The Prime Minister even speaks of expulsion.

Hungary: Orbán threatens refugee relief organizations with closure

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has threatened to close down organisations that are committed to refugees and asylum seekers. "If y do not stop with ir dangerous activities, we will simply point m out of country, how powerful or rich y may be," said right-wing politician in his annual speech on state of nation in Budapest.

On Tuesday, Hungarian Parliament is to discuss so-called stop-Soros legislative package, which restricts non-governmental organisations (NGOs) from area of refugee aid. The bill stipulates that NGOs must pay a 25% tax if y receive donations from abroad. In addition, employees could be banned from staying in a zone near Schengen external border.

In addition, in accordance with future legal situation, civil organisations wishing to help refugees and asylum seekers will have to obtain a permit from Ministry of Interior. NGOs that do not adhere to this provision can be punished with high fines and even dissolved.

EU Commission complains about NGO law

The legislative package consists of three parts. The Orbán government needs a two-thirds majority in Parliament, which it does not currently have, for draft that allows a ban on NGOs. A vote is refore expected only after parliamentary elections on 8 April. Orbán's Fidesz Party has a good chance to win a two-thirds majority in next parliament.

Since last year, non-governmental organizations in Hungary have been obliged to register in court when y receive money from abroad. They should also identify mselves on ir website and in all publications as an "organization that receives support from abroad". This applies to associations that receive more than about 24,000 euros per year in international donations. Because of law, EU Commission has sued Hungary at European Court of Justice.

Date Of Update: 19 February 2018, 12:03
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