The government plans to put forward new legislation to provide a “legal seal” for Hungary’s border, after the physical fence recently erected, the justice state secretary said. The criminal code wll be tightened on regulations against human smuggling, but procedures for handling migrants will also be made faster and more efficient, Róbert Répássy told public news channel M1. He said the sanctions must have a preventive effect so that human smugglers and illegal entrants are given the message that their activities are unwelcome.He noted that although there is always chance for asylum-seekers to appeal their case, these court procedures can be expedited.
Appearing on the same programme, Bence Tuzson, spokesman for ruling Fidesz’s parliamentary group, said the new law will focus on making illegal entry and damaging the border fence criminal acts. It will also call for stricter punishments for human smuggling, he said.