BREAKING: Hungarian citizenship can now be suspended for dual citizens
A new law allowing the suspension of Hungarian citizenship under certain conditions has officially been published in the Hungarian Gazette. President Tamás Sulyok signed the bill, passed by a two-thirds majority in mid-June, despite earlier objections from both his daughter and son-in-law.
Suspension based on national security concerns
Under the new legislation, the Hungarian government can suspend the citizenship of dual nationals for up to 10 years in cases where they are not citizens of the European Economic Area (EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and are deemed to pose a threat to Hungary’s public order or national security.
24.hu notes the law targets behaviours including:
- acting on behalf of a foreign power in violation of Hungary’s sovereignty,
- maintaining ties with terrorist organisations,
- serving in the military of a third country,
- severely endangering the constitutional order.
According to the government, the amendment aims to protect national sovereignty, emphasising that citizenship holds “special significance for maintaining democratic order.”
Anyone can file a report
The law allows any individual to report someone they believe meets the criteria for citizenship suspension. A minister appointed by the government will ultimately decide on the case and may initiate an evidentiary procedure, potentially involving the National Information Centre and the police, as reported by Telex.
Before a final decision is made, the minister must consider:
- the individual’s personal ties to Hungary,
- their family and life circumstances,
- and the time elapsed since the alleged threatening behaviour occurred.
The suspension decision will be published in the Official Bulletin and may be challenged through administrative court proceedings within 30 days.
Reinstatement and deportation
Citizenship can be reinstated during the suspension period if the individual convincingly demonstrates they no longer pose a threat to Hungary. This option is only available once and is decided by the same minister.
If an individual is ordered to leave the country and fails to do so voluntarily, they may be taken into immigration custody and deported within 72 hours. This detention cannot be appealed.
Controversial reception
The law has sparked strong criticism from legal experts. President Sulyok’s daughter and son-in-law, along with international legal scholars including Tamás Lattmann, previously voiced opposition to the bill. Lattmann called it a “legal absurdity,” noting that no equivalent exists within international law.
Opposition parties also condemned the law, warning that it could easily become a political weapon, particularly against high-profile figures like George Soros, whose Hungarian citizenship the government has previously scrutinised.
The law is set to take effect in ten days and is expected to provoke significant legal debates and international attention concerning Hungary’s citizenship policies.
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Read more about the Hungarian citizenship HERE.
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