The Hungarian government has decided to change the rules for providing free housing for Ukrainian refugees
The Hungarian government has decided to change the rules for providing free housing for Ukrainian refugees. The new rules will come into effect on August 21. Free housing will be available only to those refugees who arrived from regions of Ukraine that were significantly affected by hostilities.
These changes mean that housing assistance will only be available to those who have come from areas that have suffered serious war damage or who have lived in these areas permanently. Refugees who do not meet these criteria will lose their right to subsidized housing from August 21, 2024.
For those who are entitled to temporary protection, there is an opportunity to obtain subsidized housing within a month of arrival in Hungary. This assistance is provided without the need to register for protection status. Accommodation will be provided by municipalities or the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, and free meals will also be provided.
After registration of temporary protection, it will be possible to stay in subsidized housing for another month. After that, only certain categories of vulnerable persons living in war-affected territories will have the right to free accommodation:
- Persons under 18 years of age;
- One of the parents of a minor child, provided they live together;
- Pregnant women;
- Persons with disabilities;
- Persons older than 65 years.
After August 21, home owners will stop receiving subsidies from the state for housing other categories of people, so they can ask refugees to leave their homes. The Hungarian government does not provide alternative accommodation options for such refugees.
The changes are causing concern among humanitarian organizations and activists, who fear that many refugees could be left homeless. In addition, there is a risk that some refugees may find themselves in a difficult situation due to the inability to find alternative accommodation at short notice.
There is a growing need for additional support and coordination between the governments of the European Union countries to ensure decent living conditions for all refugees, regardless of their origin and the circumstances under which they were forced to leave their homes.
