In consequence of the new Austrian anti-migrant policy, Hungary can only avoid becoming a destination and a centre for migrants if we do not let a single migrant into the territory of the country even after the elections, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Friday in Tapolca speaking to public service media.

Péter Szijjártó said the Austrian Interior Minister announced on Thursday that they wish to reduce to zero the number of asylum applications submitted in Austria. This means that if after the elections on 8 April a political change occurs in Hungary in consequence of which a pro-immigration government is formed, Hungary can easily become a hub for migrants as those coming here would not be able to move on in the direction of Western Europe, he added.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in order for us not to let a single migrant into the territory of Hungary the government in office at present must continue its work.

Mr Szijjártó highlighted that the pressure of migration continues to remain present. In Africa and in the Middle East tens of millions of people are living in circumstances – whether as internal refugees, as individuals already on their way or as people in need of ongoing humanitarian aid – who may decide to set out at any time.  Ad if they set out, they will set out for Europe, he said.

He added that “there is intelligence from difference services” that Afghans arriving in Pakistan are not welcome there, and if they set out, they will also seek to head for Europe. Regarding the situation in Austria, he said that the number of foreign perpetrators has doubled in the past ten years in Austria, and “to a large extent this can be associated with Afghan immigrants”.

According to Mr Szijjártó Hungary may easily find itself under double pressure if after the elections the current migration policy changes and a pro-immigration government is formed which will have no intention of foiling the introduction of the mandatory resettlement quotas before the end of June. On the one hand, Brussels will want to send here the migrants who are already in Europe, while due to the Austrian resistance those heading for Europe may find themselves trapped here, he explained.

If, however, the current anti-immigration policy is allowed to continue in Hungary, regardless of the tightening of regulations in Austria, “we shall continue to be able to protect Hungary” as the fence will continue to stand and stringent border control regulations will remain in place, Mr Szijjártó highlighted, pointing out that the current government intends to continue its anti-immigration policy.

(Cabinet Office of the Prime Minister/MTI)