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WELCOME! THIS PORTAL CONTAINS COLLECTED IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MIGRANTS AND NEW-COMERS WHO LIVE IN BUDAPEST. THE MAIN SECTIONS ARE THE FOLLOWING: INFORMATION ON HUNGARY AND BUDAPEST, EMPLOYMENT, LEGAL STATUSES, WORK, EDUCATION, HOUSING, HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND COMMUNITIES. WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL FIND IT USEFUL.


GEOGRAPHY

THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY IS A CENTRAL EUROPEAN COUNTRY WITH A POPULATION OF 10 MILLION AND A TERRITORY OF 93,000 SQUARE KILOMETERS. ITS NEIGHBORS ARE SLOVAKIA IN THE NORTH, THE UKRAINE IN THE NORTH EAST, ROMANIA IN THE EAST, SERBIA AND CROATIA IN THE SOUTH WEST, AND AUSTRIA IN THE WEST. GEOGRAPHICALLY, HUNGARY IS SITUATED ALONG THE NORTH−SOUTH AND EAST−WEST TRADE AND TRAFFIC ROUTES ALIKE. IT HAS GOT CONVENIENT AIR SERVICES TO MOST EUROPEAN CAPITALS AND WATERWAY CONNECTIONS TO SOME PARTS OF EUROPE. HUNGARY IS SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINS AND LIES BETWEEN THE ALPS AND THE CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS. WITHIN ITS TERRITORY, ONLY SMALLER MOUNTAINS AND HILLS CAN BE FOUND. THE HIGHEST POINT OF THE COUNTRY IS 1014 METERS. THE MIDDLE PART OF THE CARPATHIAN BASIN IS CALLED THE ALFÖLD. THE TERRITORY OF THE COUNTRY IS MAINLY PLAIN, CROSSED BY TWO LARGE RIVERS, THE DANUBE AND THE TISZA. HUNGARY HAS GOT SOME LAKES OF VARIOUS SIZES. THE LARGEST AND MOST FAMOUS OF THESE IS LAKE BALATON, WHICH CAN BE FOUND IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE COUNTRY AND IS KNOWN TO BE THE LARGEST LAKE IN EUROPE. LAKE BALATON IS 78 KM LONG AND 3−4 METRES DEEP. SOME OF THE LARGER LAKES ARE FERTŐ−TÓ, VELENCEI−TÓ, AND TISZA−TÓ.

HUNGARY’S CAPITAL IS BUDAPEST. IT IS SITUATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COUNTRY IN THE NORTH, ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER DANUBE. THE POPULATION OF BUDAPEST IS NEARLY 2 MILLION. BUDAPEST IS THE LARGEST INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRE OF HUNGARY. AS THE CAPITAL CITY OFFERS THE LARGEST NUMBER OF JOBS, MANY OF THOSE LIVING IN SURROUNDING CITIES WORK IN BUDAPEST. BUDAPEST IS ALSO A POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE OF THE COUNTRY. THIS IS WHERE THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC RESIDES AND HERE OPERATES THE PARLIAMENT, THE GOVERNMENT, THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT, THE OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTOR GENERAL, THE SUPREME COURT AND SEVERAL OTHER INSTITUTIONS. THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE POLITICAL PARTIES AND MANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, AS WELL AS THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MINISTRIES AND EMBASSIES CAN ALSO BE FOUND IN BUDAPEST. BESIDES THE CENTRAL LOCATION, HISTORICAL TRADITIONS AND FAVORABLE CONDITIONS, ITS CURRENT SOCIAL STATUS AND IMPORTANT POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL ROLE ALSO MAKE THE HUNGARIAN CAPITAL ONE OF THE MAJOR CENTERS OF THE WIDER REGION. BUDAPEST HAS A KEY ROLE IN THE ECONOMY, WITH ALL RAILWAYS, AIRWAYS AND MOTORWAYS MEETING HERE. IT IS ALSO THE CENTRE OF THEATRE, MUSIC, ARTS AND MANY FIELDS OF CULTURE, AS WELL AS TOURISM.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

HTTP://WWW.BUDAPESTINFO.HU/HU/INDEX.HTML
TOURISM WEB SITE FOR BUDAPEST AND ITS SURROUNDING. CAR RENTAL, SIGHTSEEING, AND HOTEL BOOKINGS.

WWW.PORT.HU
THIS WEB SITE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON TELEVISION PROGRAMS, CINEMA, SPORTS, CONCERTS, THEATRE, FESTIVALS, AND RADIO PROGRAMMES, AS WELL AS RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS.



INSTITUTIONS, SOCIAL CUSTOMS AND RELIGION

INSTITUTIONS



HUNGARY IS A REPUBLIC AND A MULTIPARTY PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY WORKING ON THE BASIS OF THE CONSTITUTION AND THE PRINCIPLE OF THE RULE OF LAW. THE MAIN GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS ARE THE PARLIAMENT, THE PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC (HEAD OF STATE), THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT. THE OMBUDSMAN’S INSTITUTION HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. INDEPENDENT JURISDICTION AND PROSECUTION ARE ALSO PART OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM. HUNGARY HAS A THREE TIERED PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM. BESIDES THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS ENSURED THROUGH TRADITIONAL COUNTY AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES. WITH THE ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION IS UNDER GROWING PRESSURE TO REPLACE THE COUNTY SYSTEM WITH LARGER REGIONS AND TO PROMOTE DECENTRALIZATION.


FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITES:

HTTP://WWW.ORFK.HU/
(ORFK= NATIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS)
THIS IS THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF THE NATIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS, WHERE YOU CAN MAKE NOTIFICATIONS AND LOOK AT WATCH LISTS AND LEGISLATION.

HTTP://WWW.NAGYKOVETSEGEK.HU /
THIS WEB SITE IS THE CENTRAL DATABASE OF EMBASSIES AND FOREIGN REPRESENTATIONS IN HUNGARY, WHERE THE CONTACT DETAILS OF EMBASSY SITES AVAILABLE ACROSS THE INTERNET ARE COLLECTED.


NATIONAL HOLIDAYS


HUNGARIAN HOLIDAYS ARE ROOTED IN HISTORY, FOLK AND RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS. THERE ARE PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS. SOME DAYS, SUCH AS MOTHER’S DAY (FIRST SUNDAY OF MAY), CHILDREN’S DAY (1 JUNE) OR WOMEN’S DAY (8 MARCH) ARE NOT OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS BUT CELEBRATED BY MANY PEOPLE. CERTAIN HOLIDAYS ARE RELATED TO OCCUPATIONS, SUCH AS TEACHER’S DAY, RAILWORKERS’ DAY, CIVIL SERVANTS’ DAY. THERE IS A NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING (6 OCTOBER), WHEN HUNGARIANS COMMEMORATE THE FAILED REVOLUTION AND WAR OF LIBERTY IN 1848/49 AND THE MARTYRS WHO WERE EXECUTED IN ARAD.


PUBLIC HOLIDAYS OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY:

• 15 MARCH - START OF REVOLUTION AND WAR OF LIBERTY IN 1848/49.

• 20 AUGUST. - FOUNDATION OF STATE, ST. STEPHEN’S DAY.

• 23 OCTOBER - ANNIVERSARY OF UPRISING AND FREEDOM FIGHT IN 1956 AND THE DAY OF THE REPUBLIC.


RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS:

• EASTER - ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DAYS IN THE CHRISTIAN CALENDAR, CELEBRATION OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION. IT IS RELATED TO THE JEWISH PASSOVER (IN HEBREW: “PESACH”) A HOLIDAY THAT COMMEMORATES THE TIME IN HISTORY WHEN THE JEWISH PEOPLE WERE FREED FROM SLAVERY IN THE LAND OF EGYPT.

• PENTACOST - A CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY WHEN CHRISTIANS CELEBRATE THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

• ALL SAINTS’ DAY - THIS DAY HONORS ALL SAINTS OF THE CHURCH, EVEN THOSE NOT KNOWN BY NAME. NOVEMBER 1 IS ALSO A DAY OF THE DEAD.

• CHRISTMAS - A MAJOR CHRISTIAN HOLIDAY (25/26 DECEMBER), CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS. THE JEWISH CHANUKA IS ALSO IN DECEMBER.


OTHER OFFICIAL HOLIDAYS:

• 1 JANUARY - NEW YEAR’S DAY.
• 1 MAY - LABOUR DAY AND ANNIVERSARY OF ACCESSION TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (2004).


BASIC SOCIAL CUSTOMS

ANYTHING WHICH HAS AN IMPACT ON OTHER PEOPLE OR THEIR LIVES IS CONSIDERED TO BE A PUBLIC AFFAIR. IT DOES NOT NEED EXPLANATION THAT POLITICS IS A NATIONAL AND PUBLIC AFFAIR. YOU CAN HEAR ABOUT IT ON THE RADIO AND WATCH IT ON TELEVISION. AT WORK, ALL DECISIONS INFLUENCING THE WORK DONE ARE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND DISCUSSED IN MEETINGS. IN THE SAME WAY AS POLITICIANS CANNOT REFUSE TO INFORM THE PUBLIC, MANAGERS AT WORK MUST KEEP THE EMPLOYEES UPDATED ON THE ISSUES AFFECTING THEM.

PRIVATE AFFAIRS ARE DIFFERENT. PEOPLE DO NOT TALK MUCH ABOUT THEM, AND THEY DECIDE WHO THEY WANT TO SHARE THEM WITH. IN HUNGARY, ORIGIN, RELIGION AND RELATIONSHIPS ARE CONSIDERED TO BE PRIVATE AFFAIRS, AND PEOPLE ONLY DISCUSS THEM WITH THEIR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WEALTH AND INCOME ARE TABOOS. OTHERWISE, HUNGARIANS WELCOME INTEREST AND ARE HAPPY TO ANSWER ANY QUESTION WHICH THEY DO NOT CONSIDER TO BE A VIOLATION OF THEIR PRIVACY.


BELOW IS A LIST OF SOME IMPORTANT RULES OF BEHAVIOR:

• HUNGARIANS GREET PEOPLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TIME OF THE DAY. USE “JÓ REGGELT KÍVÁNOK” IN THE MORNING, “JÓ NAPOT KÍVÁNOK” DURING THE DAY, AND “JÓ ESTÉT KÍVÁNOK” IN THE EVENING. “JÓ ÉJSZAKÁT KÍVÁNOK” MEANS GOOD NIGHT. CHILDREN ALWAYS GREET ADULTS BY SAYING THE MORE FORMAL “CSÓKOLOM”, AND MEN OFTEN USE THIS WHEN THEY GREET WOMEN (IT MEANS “I KISS YOUR HAND”, BUT YOU SHOULD NOT KISS THE HAND OF THE PERSON YOU GREET.) YOU SAY GOOD BYE BY SAYING “VISZONTLÁTÁSRA”.

• WHEN YOU SHAKE HANDS, THE OLDER PERSON OR THE WOMAN SHOULD OFFER THEIR HANDS FIRST. (INTERESTINGLY, WHILE SHAKING HANDS IS A SIGN OF BEING POLITE, THE LACK OF A HANDSHAKE IS NOT CONSIDERED RUDE.)

• WHEN TWO PEOPLE GREET EACH OTHER, THE OLDER ONE SHOULD GREET THE YOUNGER ONE FIRST. WHEN A MAN MEETS A WOMAN HE IS SUPPOSED TO GREET HER FIRST. OTHERWISE, THE GENERAL RULE IS THAT THE ONE WHO ENTERS A PLACE OR ARRIVES LATER OR SHOULD GREET THE OTHERS.

• YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD OFFER THEIR SEAT TO THOSE WHO ARE OLDER. MEN SHOULD ALSO LET WOMEN SIT AND GO THROUGH A DOOR FIRST.

• HUNGARIANS RARELY SHOUT AND WILL FIND IT ODD IF YOU ARE LOUD.

• IN A QUEUE, YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO JUMP THE QUEUE. WAIT FOR YOUR CORRECT TURN PATIENTLY.


DRESS CODE

THE HUNGARIAN DRESS CODE DOES NOT DIFFER MUCH FROM THOSE OF THE NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES. FORMAL CLOTHING (SUIT, SHIRT AND TIE FOR MEN, BLOUSE, SKIRT, JACKET FOR WOMEN) ARE CONSIDERED TO BE ATTRACTIVE, BUT NOT EVERYBODY WEARS FORMAL CLOTHES AND FOR EVERY OCCASION. FORMAL CLOTHING IS COMPULSORY IN CERTAIN JOBS (E.G. IN BANKS, LAWYER’S OFFICES). OTHERWISE CASUAL CLOTHING IS ACCEPTABLE. THIS MEANS THAT MEN DO NOT NEED TO WEAR A SUIT AND A TIE, AND WOMEN CAN WEAR TROUSERS OR A DRESS INSTEAD OF A SKIRT OR A SUIT. BLUE COLLAR WORKERS DO NOT HAVE ANY DRESS CODE.

EMPLOYERS OFTEN PROVIDE UNIFORMS WHICH EMPLOYEES MUST WEAR AT WORK. SCHOOLS DO NOT HAVE ANY RULES FOR CHILDREN’S WEAR. THERE ARE NO UNIFORMS, BUT CLEAN AND TIDY APPEARANCE AND HAIR ARE EXPECTED. WHEN YOU HAVE A JOB INTERVIEW, MAKE SURE YOUR APPEARANCE IS ELEGANT AND TIDY. HUNGARIANS ALSO HAVE A DRESS CODE FOR SOME OTHER OCCASIONS, SUCH AS GOING TO THE THEATRE. MOST HUNGARIANS WILL WEAR FORMAL DRESS IN A THEATRE, BUT THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO CINEMAS.

ON WEDDINGS, HUNGARIANS WEAR CHEERFUL AND ELEGANT CLOTHES. THE DRESS CODE FOR FUNERALS IS TO WEAR BLACK. NATURALLY, YOU ARE FREE TO WEAR THE SAME CLOTHES AS IN YOUR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, INCLUDING ANY TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS OF YOUR CULTURE. IN THE STREETS, YOU WILL OFTEN SEE PEOPLE WHO ARE DRESSED DIFFERENTLY FROM THE EUROPEAN CUSTOM. ANYTHING IS ACCEPTABLE AS LONG AS YOUR CLOTHES ARE CLEAN. SOME SHOPS SELL CHINESE, INDIAN, ARABIAN, AND AFRICAN CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES.


RELIGION

TRADITIONALLY, CHRISTIANITY, IN PARTICULAR THE ROMAN CATHOLIC RELIGION IS THE MOST WIDESPREAD IN HUNGARY FOLLOWED BY CALVINISM. TO A SMALLER EXTENT THE JEWISH, THE LUTHERAN AND THE ORTHODOX CHURCHES ARE ALSO PRESENT IN HUNGARY. IN ADDITION TO THESE TRADITIONAL RELIGIONS, THERE ARE MODERN, MAINLY EVANGELIST CONGREGATIONS ROOTED IN CHRISTIANITY AND BIBLE STUDY GROUPS. THESE TEND TO ATTRACT THOSE WHOSE INTEREST HAS TURNED TO RELIGION MORE RECENTLY.

MUSLIMS, HINDUS AND BUDDHISTS FORM SMALLER COMMUNITIES WHERE THEY CAN PRACTICE THEIR RELIGION. AT THE SAME TIME, BUDDHISM AND EASTERN PHILOSOPHY IN GENERAL ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR IN THE WESTERN WORLD, INCLUDING HUNGARY. THIS ALSO APPLIES TO EASTERN MARTIAL ARTS, YOGA, AND TAI−CHI. AS AN EVIDENCE OF THIS, BUDAPEST HAS A BUDDHIST COLLEGE.

OVER HALF OF THE POPULATION DOES NOT PRACTICE ANY RELIGION – ALTHOUGH CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE RELIGIOUS – AND DO NOT GO TO CHURCH, EXCEPT ON MAJOR HOLIDAYS. 30 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION DO NOT CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE RELIGIOUS. THIS IS PARTLY CAUSED BY THE FACT THAT RELIGION HAS LOST MUCH OF ITS SIGNIFICANCE OVER THE PAST CENTURY IN EUROPE AND PARTLY BY THE FORTY YEAR LONG COMMUNIST RULE WITH ITS STRONG REJECTION OF RELIGION.
ECONOMY




57% OF THE WORKING POPULATION – THOSE BETWEEN 16 AND 64 YEARS OF AGE – ARE EMPLOYED, WHICH IS A LOWER PROPORTION THAN THE EUROPEAN UNION AVERAGE. MOST OF THEM WORK IN THE SERVICE SECTOR (62%). THIS IS FOLLOWED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, WHICH PROVIDES JOBS FOR A QUARTER OF THE WORKING POPULATION. 8% ARE EMPLOYED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, BUT THIS FIGURE HAS RECENTLY INCREASED DUE TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF PROJECTS – MAINLY IN LARGE TOWNS – IN THE FIELD OF RESIDENTIAL AND OFFICE BUILDING, HOTEL AND SHOPPING MALL CONSTRUCTIONS. ALTHOUGH AGRICULTURE IS AN IMPORTANT SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY, THE PROPORTION OF THOSE EMPLOYED THERE IS DECREASING AND CURRENTLY BELOW 5% (WWW.OECD.COM). THANKS TO MODERN TECHNOLOGIES, THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR CONTINUES TO PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY FOOD IN SPITE OF THE LOWER NUMBER OF WORKERS.

THE SERVICE SECTOR PLAYS AN INCREASING ROLE IN THE HUNGARIAN ECONOMY. EARLIER THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR HAD A MORE IMPORTANT ROLE. THE FOOD INDUSTRY IS STILL IMPORTANT. THERE ARE MANY MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES OPERATING IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, THE MACHINE INDUSTRY AND THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY. TOURISM IS A KEY SECTOR. MANY TOURISTS ARRIVE TO ENJOY THE HEALTH SPAS (FOR INSTANCE IN HÉVÍZ, GYULA, OR HAJDÚSZOBOSZLÓ) OR TO PARTICIPATE IN CONFERENCES. SOME CULTURAL AND SPORT EVENTS EQUALLY ATTRACT THE YOUNG AND THE ELDERLY (E.G. BUDAPEST SPRING FESTIVAL, FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX, SZIGET FESTIVAL, FLOWER PARADE IN DEBRECEN). BUDAPEST IS ALSO A POPULAR DESTINATION, AND THE LAKE BALATON IS AN IDEAL PLACE FOR A HOLIDAY. THE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF HUNGARY IS ANOTHER GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ECONOMY. THE LOCATION BETWEEN EASTERN AND WESTERN EUROPE MAKE THE COUNTRY AN IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL TRADE ROUTE. THERE ARE SEVERAL FORMS OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION.

THE FORINT HAS BEEN THE LEGAL CURRENCY OF HUNGARY SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1946. HUNGARY JOINED THE EUROPEAN UNION IN 2004, BUT IT WILL TAKE A FEW YEARS BEFORE EUROPE’S SINGLE CURRENCY, THE EURO CAN BE ADAPTED.


GETTING HELP IN …



NEWS
2. LEGAL STATus

The following rules apply to the stay of most foreign nationals in Hungary: Only those foreign nationals are allowed to enter and stay in Hungary who hold valid travel documents or a valid visa, unless provided otherwise in any international agreement or provision of the law. Visa applications must be submitted, before entry, to the local competent Hungarian foreign representation at the applicant’s place of residence.

Residence (D) visa entitle the holder to enter Hungary once or several times for a specific purpose and to stay for a period between 90 days and 1 year. Residence visa are issued for employment, earning income, study or training, medical treatment, visit, family reunification, or national or other justified purpose. Foreign nationals staying in Hungary with a valid residence visa may submit to the alien authority an application for a residence permit. The criteria for obtaining a residence permit include that the foreign national must have at the time of submitting the application a document providing evidence of the purpose of entry and stay, the funds needed to cover living expenses, and registered accommodation for the rest of the period he or she intends to spend in Hungary, as well as the means of return to the country of origin or moving on to another country.

Special rules apply to the entry and stay of EEA nationals and their family members. EEA nationals may enter Hungary without visa. Those who have a valid passport or personal identification document may enter the country and stay for a period not exceeding 90 days without any special permit. EEA nationals can stay in Hungary for longer than 90 days without a visa, and they have a right for settlement, certified by the residence permit. EEA nationals are required to have their place of residence registered. This requires the provision of personal data. Prohibition on residence cannot be applied as an independent measure against EEA nationals.

Establishment permits are issued to aliens who can provide evidence of uninterrupted lawful residence in Hungary for a period of at least 3 years after the date of entry – except where the purpose of lawful residence was study – and whose accommodation, income and healthcare are ensured in Hungary. OIN and the competent regional alien authority check every 5 years if aliens holding an immigration permit or an establishment permit meet the conditions of staying in Hungary. Aliens staying in Hungary unlawfully may be ordered to leave the country or prohibited from entering and staying in Hungary. Those who fail to comply with such measures on a voluntary basis will be expelled.

The rules applying to foreign nationals who have submitted an application for asylum are different from the above. The Hungarian refugee authority issues humanitarian residence permits for foreign nationals requesting asylum with reference to any reason included in the Geneva Convention. A humanitarian residence permit is valid until the final judgment of the application. Hungary operates reception centers to receive and provide services to asylum seekers. Reception centers are open for asylum seekers who cannot find any other accommodation. If the authority finds that the applicant had to leave his or her home country on any of the grounds set out in the Geneva Convention, as a result of persecution or well-founded fear from persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group, or political conviction, the applicant will be recognized as a refugee. With certain exceptions, recognized refugees have the same rights as Hungarian nationals, and the Hungarian authority issues a personal identification card for them. If the authority finds that none of the grounds set out in the Geneva Convention can be upheld, the application will be rejected. However, if the authority believes that the foreign national in question cannot be returned to the country of origin, because there is a well-founded concern that he or she would be exposed to torture, inhuman or humiliating treatment, or capital punishment, the applicant will be granted temporary protection, which means that, for humanitarian reasons, he or she can stay in Hungary until the situation in the country of origin changes for the better. These so called persons authorized to stay receive a humanitarian residence permit from the authority. Recognized refugees and persons authorized to stay may apply for benefits and services, which will be granted to them upon meeting the criteria set out in the law. Applications for such services and benefits are processed by the Refugee Directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality. Those foreign nationals whose asylum request has been rejected by the refugee authority without granting temporary protection must leave the country.


3. Working in Budapest

There are several forms of employment in Hungary. The form of employment depends on the employer, the working time, and the required qualification. The conditions of employment are regulated by the law, and the employers must comply with the applicable provisions.

Those who are employed by government and municipal institutions are public employees or civil servants. Their work is managed and controlled by their employers. Public employees and civil servants in senior positions must be Hungarian nationals. In contrast to public employees, civil servants employees and other employees – e.g. employees of a company – the self employed (typically individual entrepreneurs) organize their work themselves. Under the law, a full time job requires 40 hours of work per week in Hungary (and a typical working week lasts from Monday to Friday). As an alternative, one can take on a part time job or so called seasonal work – mainly in summer, in the agricultural, catering and tourism sectors. The number of working hours is the result of agreement between the employer and the employee. As a main rule, Saturday and Sunday are official holidays. People do not work on official holidays and public holidays.

The conclusion of an employment contract is a requirement for legal employment. Illegal employment – or working in the black economy – is punishable under the law. Employment contracts should cover the following:

• wage (basic wage and bonuses),
• working time (full time or part time),
• place of work (permanent or changing location),
• allowances (contribution to clothing, travel), and
• probationary period, if any.

If a job requires qualification, compliance must be proved by an appropriate certificate of education and training. As the qualification system of other countries may be different from that of Hungary, some qualifications and degrees obtained in other countries may need to be recognized by the National Equivalence Centre of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Qualifications obtained in the country of origin are often not acceptable. In such case, those who wish to find employment in accordance with their qualification need to enter the relevant training institution again.

For more information of equivalence issues, please visit the official site of the Hungarian Equivalence and Information Center (HEIC) at http://www.okm.gov.hu/main.php?folderID=916 .


Some jobs do not require any qualifications; it is enough to have the right skills and abilities. This type of work can be learned on the job and represents occasional employment. For doing such occasional work, one needs to obtain an Occasional Worker’s Document. Certain jobs require a certificate of medical fitness.

Employment of children is prohibited in Hungary. The lower age limit for employment is 16 years. Children’s rights are protected by the law, and the responsible authorities check compliance.


How to find a job



The labor offices in Budapest and in each county are ready to provide help for finding a job, they even have clubs for job seekers. The so-called Career Information and Guidance (FIT) offices give advice for everyone, free of charge, no previous appointment is needed. You can get more information about the FIT network from your local labor office.

It should be noted though that most vacancies are not advertised in Hungary. This means that you should ask your friends and acquaintances if they know about any vacancy or you should contact large companies even if they do not advertise vacancies. Vacancies are posted on boards in the streets, in newspapers, on the Internet and through labor offices (e.g. classified ads in newspapers, Express, www.allas.lap.hu, etc.). It is worth contacting NGOs that work with migrants. These organizations offer consultation, personal individualized assistance and mobilize their network of contacts. Blue collar work – skilled or non-skilled work – is easier to find than a job which would require higher levels of schooling. In general those who can speak Hungarian have better opportunities.

It will be easier for you to find the most suitable job, if you know in advance what type of work you desire. In a job interview your chances of success will be higher, if you arrive on time (or earlier) and your clothes are tidy and clean. In Hungary, employers like candidates who are confident, open and show interest without being arrogant, loud or pushy. For practical reasons, it is a good idea to collect in a folder all personal documents, certificates of education and language proficiency, and a CV written beforehand, and take them with you even to the first interview. Before the event, try to get some information about what you should take to the interview. It is useful to read about the company on the Internet and find out something about their activities and work. You cannot expect to be successful, unless you are sufficiently prepared and make a good impression. It should be noted here that the discrimination of employees on the grounds of religion, ethnic origin, gender, age, etc. is prohibited in Hungary.

For more information on finding a job, please download the manual (How to find a job?) published by Menedék Association here.


Documents you will need

The number of foreign workers continues to grow. In 1996, about 20,000 work permits were issued to foreign nationals. In 2005, this figure was over 53,000. Refugees and foreign nationals holding permanent residency or immigrant permits do not need a work permit for employment. They can work under the same conditions as Hungarian nationals. In any other case, foreign nationals can only work in Hungary if they meet specific criteria and have a work permit. A work permit must be applied for by the employer who wishes to employ the foreign national. Employers are generally aware of the conditions of employing foreign nationals. As a general rule, foreign nationals can only be employed in positions which no Hungarian or EEA national has applied for. For obtaining a permit, foreign nationals need to provide evidence of their qualification and medical fitness. Permits are issued for a maximum period of one year, but they can be renewed. Certain persons shall not need a work permit in certain cases (e.g. employees of international organizations delegated to Hungary).
Studying in Hungary or having a student status in the country of origin does not qualify as employment. Persons authorized to stay need a work permit for employment. However, the labor office uses an accelerated procedure to issue work permits for persons authorized to stay, if the employer or the potential employee submits the completed work permit application to the Refugee Directorate of the Office of Immigration and Nationality (OIN) and requests the OIN to endorse the application. See the Appendix for the office hours of OIN. The employer of the person authorized to stay must submit the endorsed application to the local labour office. This procedure will greatly accelerate the issue of the work permit. Another condition of employment in Hungary is holding a work visa or residence permit. Foreigners must submit applications for a work visa to the competent Hungarian foreign representation at their place of residence. Work visas are issued by the foreign representations on the basis of work permits. An application for a residence permit may be submitted to the regional Alien Policing Authority of the OIN not later than thirty days before the expiry of the issued work visa. A residence permit is usually valid for a period of one year, and it can be renewed. Foreigners who wish to enter and stay in Hungary with a view to engaging in economic (e.g. commercial), intellectual (e.g. teaching) or artistic (e.g. writing) activities to earn income, or in an other work not requiring a work permit must hold an income earning visa.

The labor office will withdraw the permit upon the termination of employment or if the holder is engaged in activities or works in locations other than the ones the permit was issued for. Inspections often lead to the imposition of fine due to ignorance or lack of compliance with the rules.

Foreign workers are particularly exposed to the risk of illegal employment, especially in the construction, farming and catering industries, because they often cannot speak Hungarian and know the Hungarian legislation well enough. They can easily become the victim of abuse. From 2006 supervision is increased which serves your protection as well. (Inspections may be carried out by the OIN, the employment supervisory authorities, the border guards, the police, and the customs and finance guard.) In the event of detecting illegal employment, the inspectors impose a fine on the employer. Foreign workers working in the black economy will be ultimately expelled from Hungary.


Taxation



Those who work – as an entrepreneur, employee or self employed – will earn personal income. Personal income is taxable. The tax liability is dependent on the earned income. Make sure you collect information about the applicable rules of taxation and the method of administration. Individual entrepreneurs and companies must pay in addition to the income tax other taxes as well, such as a business tax and a regional development tax. Employers must pay a health insurance contribution and a pension contribution after each employee. Those who are self employed must pay these contributions after themselves.

It is worth studying what taxes should be paid by whom and where, as the tax authority (APEH) audits taxpayers randomly, upon notification and based on the authority’s own observations and imposes considerable fines even for minor defaults.

For more information on taxation, please visit www.apeh.hu.


Recognition of education and professional experience

If a job requires qualification, compliance must be proved by an appropriate certificate of education and training. As the qualification system of other countries may be different from that of Hungary, some qualifications and degrees obtained in other countries may need to be recognized by the National Equivalence Centre of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Qualifications obtained in the country of origin are often not acceptable. In such case, those who wish to find employment in accordance with their qualification need to enter the relevant training institution again.

For more information of equivalence issues, please visit the official site of the Hungarian Equivalence and Information Center (HEIC) at http://www.okm.gov.hu/main.php?folderID=916 .


Jobs in Budapest




Starting your own business


There are two types of undertakings in Hungary: individual entrepreneurship and companies. Individual entrepreneurship is the simplest form. It is essentially a one−man undertaking built upon one’s own capital. The existing forms of a company are the following:

• general partnership (KT),
• limited partnership (BT),
• limited liability company (KFT),
• public limited company (RT),
• joint venture (KV).

The establishment of a company is regulated by detailed rules. Make sure you collect information and use the assistance of a lawyer or notary, if you can.

Autonómia Foundation gives assistance for migrants in establishing their own business and also provides micro-loans. For more details, visit www.autonomia.hu.


Child care

Working mothers may use the services of day care facilities for young children between 20 weeks and 3 years of age. Recognized refugees, foreign nationals holding permanent residency or immigrant permits and EEA residents holding residence permit for employment only need to pay for the meals, if they wish to use the services of day care facilities operated by the state or a local authority. The day care institutions may charge an increased amount, including the meals and other services, for providing a placement for the children of aliens residing in Hungary in other capacity.

After the nursery, many parents send their children to kindergarten, where the children are grouped by age and qualified staff works and plays with them. The children of: asylum seekers, refugees, temporarily protected persons, and foreign nationals holding permanent residency or immigrant permits have a right to use services the kindergarten operated by the state or a local authority under the same conditions as Hungarian children. Kindergartens may charge an increased amount for their services, if they are used by the children of aliens residing in Hungary in other capacity. Kindergartens also prepare children for school education. You can also hire a baby sitter for a few hours, a whole day or for an entire week in Hungary.


Your rights in the workplace



Help for employers



Getting help in

4. Learning in Budapest

Finding a school for your children

In Hungary, each child is obliged to attend school from the age of 6 to the age of 18. Minors (i.e. children below 18 years) who are foreign nationals and have been staying in Hungary for more than one year must attend school, if they are asylum seekers, refugees, temporarily protected persons, and foreign nationals holding permanent residency or immigrant permits or hold a humanitarian residence permit or a residence permit. Those entered the country less than a year ago may attend school on the parents’ request (in the same way as their visa holder peers).

Primary and secondary education lasts altogether 12 years. After completing primary school, children may continue their studies in secondary schools providing general education, secondary schools providing vocational education and vocational schools. Public primary and secondary schools provide free education for children of compulsory school age. Educational institutions offer the same conditions to non-Hungarian children of compulsory school age as to Hungarian nationals, if they are asylum seekers, refugees, temporary protected persons, and foreign nationals holding permanent residency or immigrant permits, holders of humanitarian residence permit or residence permit. This means that public education (kindergarten, school and educational support services) is free for them. For other non-Hungarian nationals, education is not free, but the head of the public education institution concerned may decide to reduce the tuition fee, or not require the payment of tuition fee, in accordance with the rules defined by the entity financing the institution. Practical experience shows that principals base their decisions on various legal and practical considerations in each individual case, and some make non-Hungarian children of compulsory school age pay a full tuition fee, while others only require a reduced or no tuition fee – naturally depending on the individual situation of students. In Hungary, parents can freely choose the school for their children. This means that public schools must admit any child of compulsory school age living in their district, but parents have a right to send their children to schools other than the district school. In contrast to the district school, these schools are not required to admit the child. If the necessary documents are not available – e.g. in the case of refugees – children are admitted to schools and assigned to groups based on the declaration of the parent or the person taking care of the child in question.

Nursery schools and primary schools do not have entrance examinations, but secondary schools do. In secondary schools providing general education and secondary schools providing vocational education, students must pass a standard final examination at the end of the program. This final examination is also the entrance examination to higher education. Those who wish to continue their studies in higher education must pass their final examinations in the required subjects, achieving such results that are required by the selected university or college.

In most schools in Hungary, the language of education is Hungarian. Naturally, schools for ethnic minorities teach in the language of the minority (Croatian, German, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, and Serbian) as well.

In bilingual schools, certain subjects are taught in a foreign language, such as English, French German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and recently Chinese, while other subjects are taught in Hungarian. These schools are free and follow a Hungarian curriculum (for more information, see www.kie.atw.hu). If you would like to select a school for your child where all subjects are taught in a foreign language, you will only find schools where you are required to pay a tuition fee. Several international school networks have opened schools in Hungary, so if your child attended one of such schools earlier, you can contact the school in question to find out whether your child can continue his or her studies there in Hungary. Some of the schools which use a foreign language as the language of education are Hungarian (BUTE International Secondary Grammar School), while others use foreign curricula, for example British or American (American International School, Britannica Angolnyelvű Nemzetközi Iskola), French (Lycée Français de Budapest), German and Austrian (Deutsche Schule, Austrian School of Budapest), or Spanish (SEK). One school is run by a Japanese foundation, and there is a Russian and an Arab (Libyan) private school. ICSB (International Christian School of Budapest) is an ecclesiastic school. As some foreign language schools do not have any link to Hungarian public education, you should contact the embassy of your country to get up-to-date information about schools using your native language.

If you decide to send your child to a school where the language of tuition is Hungarian, but your child cannot speak Hungarian at all or well enough, you should not worry, as the teachers and your child’s classmates will probably help.



Learning Hungarian


Hungarian is spoken as a first language by some 14 million people in the world. Outside Hungary, the Hungarian language is spoken as a first language in unbroken
clusters within the neighboring Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania and Serbia. One third of these native speakers are bilingual today as a result of their minority status in the above mentioned countries.

The Hungarian language uses the Roman alphabet. In the modern standard dialect, there are 7 short and 7 long vowels, and the number of short consonants is even higher, 25. In the same way as in French, the rate of the occurrence of vowels and consonants is respectively 43 per cent and 57 per cent. A specific character is assigned to each sound, the only exception is the sound [j], which is written with either j or ly. The spelling of words very closely reflects their pronunciation. Stress is
usually on the first syllabus (and that is why Hungarians can be recognized when they speak e.g. in English). The Hungarian vocabulary – like that of any other language – reflects the past and present culture of the language community, as well as the interactions with other cultures. Many Hungarian words borrowed from other languages. Hungarian also had an influence on other language, and many words were borrowed by the neighboring language communities. Other dialects do not show many differences from the standard dialect and those who speak different dialects do not have problems in understanding each other. This means that if you speak Hungary, you will be understood all over Hungary.

The Hungarian alphabet:


In Hungary and particularly in Budapest, there is a very wide range of private language schools, and many offer courses in Hungarian as a foreign language. It is worth visiting the Internet portal at www.hungaroport.hu where you can find plenty information on learning Hungarian (language schools, learning materials, useful links, key information) or assess your language proficiency with the help of online interactive tests. You can download interactive learning materials and use e−learning consultation services. The portal is equipped with complex English language search facilities.



Recognition of education from outside Hungary

If a job requires qualification, compliance must be proved by an appropriate certificate of education and training. As the qualification system of other countries may be different from that of Hungary, some qualifications and degrees obtained in other countries may need to be recognized by the National Equivalence Centre of the Ministry of Education and Culture. Qualifications obtained in the country of origin are often not acceptable. In such case, those who wish to find employment in accordance with their qualification need to enter the relevant training institution again.

For more information of equivalence issues, please visit the official site of the Hungarian Equivalence and Information Center (HEIC) at http://www.okm.gov.hu/main.php?folderID=916 .



Where to study


Higher education in Hungary is undergoing changes at the moment. In line with the common structural principles of higher education in the European Union, a two-level structure is introduced in higher education – with the exception of certain institutions (for example the medical university and the training of lawyers). The first level is a three-year (6 semester) bachelor’s program (leading to a BA degree). Those who meet the criteria set by higher education institutions may enter into the second level, a master’s program (leading to an MA degree). This means an additional two-year (i.e. 4−semester) study. At public universities, there are students who − based on the results of their entrance examination or other conditions − receive state financed education, but most of the students pay tuition fees. The following foreign nationals are entitled to entering subsidized or full-tuition training offered by Hungarian higher education institutions, under the same conditions laid down in the Act on Public Education as apply to Hungarian nationals:

• Nationals of the member states of the European Economic Area and their family members;

• those refugees, temporarily protected persons, persons authorized to stay, legal immigrants, established persons and foreign nationals entitled to the same treatment as Hungarian nationals under international agreements who live in the territory of the Republic of Hungary and are outside the scope of the first category;

• foreign nationals entitled to the same treatment as Hungarian nationals under international agreements;

• nationals of those countries where Hungarian nationals may use the higher education services of the given country based on the principle of reciprocity.


Those who do not fall into any of the above categories can only enter full-tuition training. The students of private higher education institutions must pay tuition fees. Students may borrow a student loan to finance their studies and to cover other expenses. These loans must be repaid to the lending institution after the completion of studies in higher education, generally in reasonably small installments. Student loans are provided with low interest rates.

You can find more details about the opportunities and new offers on the web sites of universities. Where the necessary conditions are given, universities offer PhD programs in foreign languages.

Information on requirements can be found at www.felvi.hu.


Vocational training

Getting help

5. Finding a place to live



If you are looking for a place to live, you need to know first of all how much space or how many rooms you need and what level of comfort you require, whether you want a garden, or you want to live near the centre (school, work place, entertainment facilities). Public utilities are generally available across Hungary. There are not many homes without electricity and running water, however the connection to the gas supply network is not everywhere given. Unlike in many countries, the size of a property is based on the number of rooms. This means that a flat advertised as a two-room flat will also have an entrance hall, a kitchen, a bathroom and a toilet. By definition, a room must have a window and an area of at least 12 m2. Therefore, when you are looking for a place to live, it is useful to clarify the layout and the exact size of the rooms, as you may find huge differences in these.


Renting a house

In Hungary, most urban properties used to be owned by the state. In the early 1990s, many tenants had an opportunity to buy the property they lived in, and today most homes are in private ownership. There are very few municipal flats. As the tenants of these are selected by the municipalities, only private properties are advertised to rent or to buy.

There are two ways to find a place to live. You can either do it yourself, or appoint a real estate agency, which will charge a registration fee for the provided services. The supply in the housing market has been quite good recently, so the services of agencies are rather used by those who would like to sell or rent out their properties. If you decide to find a place to live without an agency, you can use the Internet or buy a newspaper with classified ads. Some publications are specialized in housing advertisements, otherwise flats and houses to rent (in the same way as land and farm buildings) are under special headings. It is worth asking the people you know, as not all properties are advertised. Some of them can easily be sold or leased without posting an ad.

When you have found an ad you like, it is absolutely necessary to visit the place and see for yourself the condition of the flat, the environment, the distance from the centre and whether it is furnished or not. Having found the right place, make sure you sign a tenancy contract with the owner; otherwise you will not be able to exercise your rights against the owner.


Buying a house

For buying property, foreign nationals need to obtain an approval from the municipality and an authorization from the office of public administration. This rule does not apply to recognized refugees in Hungary. Note that property sales contracts must be countersigned by a lawyer.

Recognized refugees who wish to buy property in Hungary may apply for a special home creation support. For more information, please contact the Office of Immigration and Nationality or visit www.bmbah.hu.

Hungarian banks offer many loan facilities for those who wish to buy a flat, house (or any other property for industrial, agricultural or commercial purposes). It should be noted that you need to be able to provide a portion of the required funds yourself, if you want to borrow a housing loan from a bank. In addition, you need to provide a security in the form of a property, which might as well be the purchased property. The amount of loan will depend on your income. It is recommended to wait for a few months before you buy a property. Study the local conditions to get a realistic picture of the actual property values and collect offers from several banks before you borrow.



Where to find a house



Housing customs


Rights and responsibilities of tenants

A tenancy contract must be signed by both parties and two witnesses. Your contract should specify the tenancy period, the rent, and the conditions of renovation and additional tenants moving in. Note that the rent does not include the overhead expenses. In most cases, the tenant must provide a warranty (pay caution money), which may be the equivalent of two or three months’ rent. In the event of failure to comply with the contract, the tenant will loose this amount. Make sure you inform and agree with the owner, if you wish to renovate a rented flat, change some furniture, or wish to have a family member move in.


Shelter for women

Getting help in



6. Finding health care services

When you are ill

In Hungary – like in many other countries – people obtain insurance to ensure the provision of adequate care in the event of illness. Employees, including the self-employed, become insured automatically, as all employers must pay health insurance contribution for each employee. The same applies to pension insurance. The general rule is that one needs to be insured in order to be entitled to basic health services. It needs no further explanation that small children, the very poor and the unemployed are unable to obtain insurance, so provision to them is ensured by the state. This does not apply to foreign nationals. Individuals and employers may decide to pay more than the basic health and pension insurance contributions. Additional insurance will entitle to proportionately more services.

Foreign nationals’ access to medical care, medicine and other health service are determined by the reason and duration of their stay and the applicable international agreements. As a general rule, everybody needs to make a contract with the National Health Insurance Fund. Those who pay the monthly contributions have a TAJ card (TAJ is the abbreviation of “social insurance identification code”). You need to carry this all the time so that you can show it to the doctor when needed. The doctor will check the validity of your card based on the electronic number on it. TAJ cards are only valid together with a personal identification card, so you need to show that as well. Foreign nationals holding a TAJ card are entitled to the same medical services as Hungarian nationals. If you do not have a TAJ card, you need to pay for health services. It is useful to find out in advance how much healthcare institutions charge for their services, but each institution must provide information on charges before starting treatment and they must explain why the treatment was needed. Healthcare institutions may require patients to pay in advance. You also need to sign the receipt, if you acknowledge your obligation to pay.

Recognized refugees are entitled to the same health services and under the same conditions as Hungarian nationals. Recognized refugees without a job and income should contact the mayor’s office of the local authority and apply for a certificate of social need. With such certificate, a recognized refugee can receive a TAJ number. Naturally, refugees can obtain health insurance in accordance with the above or may choose to pay for health services.

Under Government Decree 170/2001 (IX. 26.), those persons authorized to stay who do not work and do not have social insurance, and therefore do not have a TAJ card, have a right to use the health services listed in Articles 86 and 78 of the aforementioned Government Decree free of charge. Such services include:

• medical examinations which qualify as basic services;
• in-patient hospital care in the event of emergency;
• drugs with 90% or 100% price support paid from the social
insurance fund;
• pre-natal examinations and obstetric services.

Asylum seekers without social insurance are entitled to use the health services listed in Articles 11 to 13 of Government Decree 25/1998. (II. 18.) free of charge in the event of illness. The examinations and drugs are the same as the above.

If someone’s life is in danger, healthcare institutions will provide the necessary treatment without checking if the patient is entitled to health services or not, can pay for them or not.

In Hungary, basic health services are provided by general practitioners. They are responsible for providing healthcare information, promote participation in medical screening and performing basic medical check-up. When you are ill, you turn to your general practitioner first. The general practitioner either provides treatment directly, or sends the patient to a specialist, such as a surgeon, a gynecologist, or an internist. Specialists work in clinics. Everybody can choose their general practitioner freely.

It is practical to choose one close to the place where you live to make sure you can reach your doctor soon when needed. Your general practitioner will register you. You will need a TAJ card, an address card and a personal identification card for this. The doctor checks the number on your card to see if you are entitled to the provision of health services. Specialist care is provided in outpatient clinics. Each district in Budapest and all larger towns and villages have their own outpatient clinic.

Patients are referred to hospital by a general practitioner or a specialist of an outpatient clinic or taken to hospital in the event of accident or some serious acute medical problem. Hungarian citizens are free to choose a doctor or a hospital. The waiting time depends on the type of illness and gravity of condition. Those who do not need urgent care may have to wait several days, weeks or months to get into hospital. In Hungary, there are institutes providing nationwide services, university (teaching) hospitals, county and town hospitals, children’s hospitals, specialist hospitals and sanatoriums. Hospitals are run by local authorities, churches and private entrepreneurs. The conditions for admission to hospital include a referral, a TAJ card and personal identification documents. If a disease or condition has already been treated earlier, you need to present the related document and the drugs you are using. Hungarian hospitals are well equipped and provide professional care for patients. Hospitals have commissioners for the protection of patient rights to advocate the rights of patients, if necessary. Patients may receive visitors depending on their condition and the internal regulations of the hospital.

In Hungary, you can purchase drugs and medical aids (crutches, walking frames, wheelchairs, orthesis, prosthesis, etc.) with or without prescription. Prescription drugs are either subsidized, or not. Certain pharmacies provide all-night service – like doctors on duty. Their prices are higher at night, i.e. outside normal opening hours, except where the doctor indicates on the prescription that the medicine is needed in emergency. Pharmacies also sell bandages, food preparations and other hygienic products.

Finally, the notification of infectious diseases is compulsory. Patients with suspected infectious diseases are sent to quarantine. Upon request, everybody needs to participate in chest X-ray screening for lung diseases, blood, sputum or other discharge tests. Failure to participate will lead to legal sanctions and impeachment under criminal law. In the event of suspected crab lice or head lice, turn to a doctor without delay. Foreign nationals (except refugees, persons authorized to stay and asylum seekers) who suffer from plague, cholera, HIV, leprosy or syphilis or carry typhoid or paratyphoid bacteria and refuse to subject themselves to the required treatment may be expelled from Hungary. Note: If you cannot speak Hungarian, take an interpreter to your appointment with the doctor. Also, it is useful to have your medical records translated into Hungarian.


For more information, please visit the following websites:

http://www.min.hu/bpkorhaz.htm
This web site contains a directory of the telephone numbers and addresses all hospitals and clinics in Budapest, in alphabetical order.

http://www.korhaz.lap.hu
This web site contains the contact details of all Hungarian public hospitals and children’s hospitals.



When your child is ill

When a child is ill, the same rules apply as described in the section above.



Emergencies

In case of emergency or an accident, you need to dial 104 to call an ambulance. It is a toll free telephone number you can call from any public telephone booth, mobile phone or fixed line telephone anywhere in the country. he general emergency telephone number is 112. By dialing 112, you can reach the fire service, the police, and the ambulance at the same time.

If you suffer a minor domestic injury, it is easier to walk or drive to the nearest hospital. You had better call an ambulance though, if you have, for example, a broken leg, an injured spine, or a numb limb. If you are unable to decide what to do, call your general practitioner or the local doctor on duty, who will take the right action. If an accident has happened in the street, you need to call the ambulance. If the accident was caused by a motor vehicle, nobody can leave the scene, and both the ambulance and the police must be notified. For practical reasons, you should carry important telephone numbers and the documents relating to the chronic disease you may suffer from all the time. If you cannot speak Hungarian well, it is a good idea to carry a pre-written note calling a doctor which you can read out or show in emergency situations.


Psychological help

For refugees suffering from PTSD, Cordelia Foundation provides psychological services free of charge. Visit their website at www.cordelia.hu.


Dental care

Some dental services are free. For some services you have to pay even if you are insured (e.g. dental prosthetic services, orthodontia after the age of 18, fitting or insertion of artificial dentures). As the charges depend on the age of the patient, the condition of the teeth and the intervention, it is useful to collect some information on your options before you turn to a dentist, or ask directly the dentist. Today many people tend to use private dental services, which are not free.


Are you pregnant?



Getting help in …



7. Participating in your community

Hungarian communities

NGOs

In Hungary there are some NGOs whose mission is to help migrants. In social issues, you can turn to Menedék, an association providing assistance to migrants (www.menedek.hu). If you need legal assistance, contact the Hungarian Helsinki Committee (www.helsinki.hu). Several NGOs extend their scope of activities to aliens living in Hungary. These include the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Oltalom Charity Society, Cordélia Foundation, the Hungarian Red Cross, Amnesty International Hungary, etc. There are also voluntary organizations founded by migrants themselves. Ask the people you know if they can recommend any.



Churches

Hungarian churches play an active role in helping the needy. The historical churches (Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, Jewish) have a longstanding tradition of involvement in social and societal issues, and also have charity activities for aliens living in Hungary. Christian social workers offer help to the needy in a range of fields, and the beneficiary do not need to be Christian to receive help. Hungarian churches provide assistance to three groups: those who live in Hungary, ethnic Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin, and third world countries hit by disasters. The best known charity groups are Hungarian Baptist Aid (www.baptistasegely.hu) and Order of Malta Relief Organization (www.maltai.hu), which both organize a number of aid programs inside and outside Hungary. In addition to helping the poor, churches also work at reception centres. The Hungarian Reformed Church is especially active in this field (www.misszio.reformatus.hu). This type of help is crucial, because the new cultural and social context of a foreign country may be a shock for an alien even if he or she has moved into another country voluntarily, and not after persecution and ordeals. Muslims can find most information they need at the web site www.magyariszlam.hu, including the history of Muslims living in Hungary and the events organised by the community.



Migrants’ associations



Volunteering



Intercultural events



Participating in elections