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IRR > European Race Bulletin > Hungary > Violence and harassment

Discriminatory Status Law provokes dispute

By Liz Fekete

1 August 2002

In a bid to get Bucharest to recognise a law giving Hungarians living in Romania special treatment in Hungary, the government extended the benefits to Romanians.

But this led to criticism of the government in parliament, with opposition MPs complaining that the government was opening Hungary up to a flood of cheap migrant workers.

What is the Status Law?

Under the so-called Status Law, aimed at promoting a stronger Hungarian identity, special medical employment and educational opportunities are given to an estimated 3.5 million ethnic Hungarians living abroad. Both Romania and Slovakia have opposed the law saying it discriminates against their citizens and creates tension among mixed communities. Romania further attacked Hungary for its lack of consultation.

Romanian deal provokes opposition

The Socialists attacked the government for making a deal with Romania, whereby it did not oppose the law on the condition that Hungary increased the quota of Romanians granted work permits. In January, in a bid to calm fears that the deal will lead to a flood of cheap seasonal labour, the government announced that it will limit the number of guestworkers to 81000.

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© Institute of Race Relations 2002