Hungary’s New Legislation on Dual Citizenship: A National Security Measure

Introduction to Hungary’s Proposed Citizenship Legislation

In a significant move, Hungary’s ruling party, Fidesz (Hungarian Civic Union), has introduced a legislative bill targeting dual citizens with a focus on national security. This proposed legislation seeks to strip dual citizens of non-EU origin of their Hungarian citizenship for a specified duration, should they be deemed a threat to national security.

Details of the New Legislation

The bill, presented to the Hungarian parliament by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party, specifies that individuals acting in the interests of foreign powers or entities, thereby posing a risk to social order and national security, could face the revocation of their Hungarian citizenship for a period of 10 years.

Target Group: The legislation primarily targets dual citizens originating from countries outside the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland, allowing for the revocation of citizenship on grounds related to public order and national security concerns.

International Context and Criticism

Reports from the Hungarian press highlight concerns regarding the compatibility of this measure with international norms. Typically, citizenship revocation is either indefinite or individuals choose to renounce their dual citizenship voluntarily. The proposed temporary revocation raises questions about its alignment with established international practices.

Conclusion

This legislation represents Hungary’s approach to addressing national security through the lens of citizenship rights, amid growing concerns about foreign influence and internal stability. The development reflects broader debates about citizenship, rights, and security across the globe.