Germany investigates mass attempts by Hungarians to obtain refugee status from Ukraine

The German authorities are investigating hundreds of cases where Hungarian citizens with Hungarian passports tried to pass themselves off as Ukrainian refugees without proper grounds. This became known after it was discovered that among the people arriving from Ukraine, there were those who did not speak Ukrainian but used Hungarian instead or demanded a Hungarian translator.

According to migration service data, from May 2023 to October 2025, 9640 dubious cases were identified, of which 1136 occur in 2025. These individuals, being citizens of the European Union, do not have the right to temporary protection or social assistance intended for Ukrainian refugees.

A researcher at the Institute of Regional Studies and an Associate Professor at Budapest University, Peter Balog, explained that Hungary had been issuing passports to ethnic Hungarians and Roma from Transcarpathia in Ukraine to facilitate employment and education. However, with the onset of the war in Ukraine, the issue of dual citizenship has intensified, especially for those who have struggled to adapt in Hungary.

Ukrainians who genuinely need international protection may suffer from such unauthorized actions of individuals attempting to exploit the situation for their own benefit. The authorities' investigation is an important step in preventing abuse and ensuring the rights of legitimate refugees.