“650 people have attempted to cross the Hungarian border illegally so far this year, which on a pro rata basis is a similar value to last year’s developments”, György Bakondi said on Hungarian M1 television’s Thursday morning current affairs program.

The Chief Security Advisor to the Prime Minister added that 70 migrants who had submitted requests for asylum in one of Hungary’s two transit zones have been afforded protected status.

“Since 2015, when the migrant crisis began, both the physical and legal background aimed at preventing illegal and mass migration has been reinforced, but the so-called ‘Stop Soros’ legislative package would introduce further hindrances”, he pointed out.

According to the planned legislation, organisations that facilitate or finance illegal immigration would have to pay a border protection duty equal to 25 percent of the funding they receive from abroad.

“In addition, organisations and individuals that assist migration could be banned from going within 8 kilometres of the border or even banned from Hungary itself”, he explained.

On Kossuth Radio’s Thursday morning “180 Minutes” program, Mr. Bakondi said: “Hungary does not want to become an immigrant country, but that does not mean that it is not providing assistance to people in trouble”.

“In Europe, many people are still clinging to the standpoint according to which unlimited admittance and integrations represent a solution, but there are also an increasing number of political leaders who agree with the Hungarian Government and believe in reinforcing the protection of the EU’s external borders”, Mr. Bakondi stated.

(MTI)