An American teacher with a decade-long career at a secondary school in Budapest has been expelled by Hungary’s National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) due to a procedural error in renewing his residence permit. Despite his longstanding contribution to the local community and education system, the teacher was forced to leave Hungary and the EU immediately, highlighting the rigidity of Hungary’s strict immigration laws.
American teacher expelled from the country
As reported by Telex, an American teacher working at a secondary school in Budapest has been expelled by National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF), despite having lived in the country for a decade. According to a letter from the school principal to parents and students, the American teacher resides in a local apartment and has been a longstanding educator in Budapest. The expulsion stemmed from a procedural error during the renewal of his residence permit. The head teacher explained that documentation was submitted in an incorrect sequence, leading to the application’s automatic rejection.
What will happen now?
The American teacher was required to leave Hungary and the EU immediately, with the option to apply for the ban to be lifted before reapplying for a residence permit. The duration of this process is uncertain, but the school estimates the teacher’s absence will last between three weeks and two months. In the meantime, the school is working to secure professional substitutes to manage the unfortunate situation. The head teacher criticised the procedure, calling it “totally pointless and incomprehensible.” The head teacher writes the following in an open letter:
The fact that the teacher has been teaching in Hungary for 10 years, that he has a public service of great importance to the Hungarian state and society in a field of shortage, that he is a graduate teacher with no criminal record, a decent background and a decent living, is obviously not a factor. We will do our utmost, we will do everything we can to ensure that the teacher can get back to work as soon as possible because his work and his precense are of the utmost importance to our community and our students.
Strict immigration laws
The head teacher declined to comment as the matter is ongoing, and the American teacher has not responded to Telex’s inquiries. However, the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing (OIF) provided a general statement, emphasising that Hungary enforces some of the strictest immigration rules among EU Member States. They noted that applications are automatically rejected if they fail to meet legal requirements, with no room for discretion.
OIF explained that foreign nationals losing their residency rights must leave Hungary immediately, as mandated by national and EU laws. They highlighted that the expulsion period is determined case-by-case, factoring in individual circumstances. While the expelled individual can seek remedies or reapply for residency under specific legal conditions, these steps must align with existing legislation.
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Featured image: illustration, depositphotos.com
Unnecessarily complicated administrative processes are a hallmark of Hungary. This will ultimately draw the country down. Get Elon Musk or Milei here to kick some a**es and trash 80% of this bureaucracy bullsh*t.
The last person Hungary needs to lose is a native speaker English language teacher. We don’t know the details of the case, it’s possible the individual in question overstayed their visa, but there’s no suggestion of this in the article so it’s possible the expulsion was solely a result of the bureaucratic procedure. I might add the shortage of language teachers is in large part due to the dreadful salaries on offer in the industry. Plenty of people resident in Hungary even now have the qualification and/or willingness to undertake the job but the compensation is on a par with that of a shelf stacker in Spar.
All laws must be rigidly enforced. The teacher who lived in the country for 10 years had the opportunity to renew his residency permit. Negligence is no reason to bend a law.
Maria, did you even read the article or jumped straight to the comments? He or she WAS renewing their residence permit, it was rejected due to a procedural issue of which we don’t know the nature. They weren’t detained living here without papers and then expelled as a matter of normal procedure in those circumstances.
We have lived in Budapest, Hungary for 7 years.
We are from, place of birth – an English speaking country – not part of the European Union nor Schengen.
We are – Australians – born in Australia.
Australia – a DEMOCRACY.
We are RETIRED – aged 63 and 75.
We speak NO Hungarian.
We have lived comfortable in central Budapest, and felt – respected and appreciated by the citizens of Hungary.
We Respect and LOVE – the people of Hungary.
We share with them – our LIVES.
We are Self -Funded retiree’s.
We have PRIVATE Health Insurance.
We take NOTHING “free” – to the cost of the PEOPLE of Hungary.
We have lived in Hungary – under a Residence Permit Status – that is of just a (2) year Permit time.
We have to APPLY – go through ALL the paper work, never using the “on-line” services, but dealing Face to Face – with the Hungarian Immigration Dept. located in Budafok – every (2) two Years.
This process, the dealing with – face to face – this Government – with experience, the numbers of times, we have visited the Hungarian Immigration Dept. – STRESSFUL, Daunting, Frustrating.
Speaking NO Hungarian – is a Liability – as English – its QUALITY provided by the Immigration “behind the screens” – personal – very LIMITED.
One visit in past years – 14 – counters opened and when our number after waiting 90 minutes to be called – No English available – at any of the 14 counters.
Testing it is – in dealing with the Hungarian Immigration Dept.
It does continue to be, my opinion, it’s functionality, systems & procedures, processing of information, currently used, are from past DECADES and NEED bought in line with facilities available, technology that is available, to streamline this Dept – bring it up and into the 21st century.
We are due to “re-apply” for our Residency Permits in June 2026, the expiry date, of our present (2) two year permits.
NOTHING – basically has changed – in the multitude of “questions & answered” required under Laws of Hungary – Immigration – in the (3) three applications – we have made in the course of the (7) seven years we have lived in Budapest, Hungary.
Our applications 99% – are just a replication of the other – previous.
We have been advised – by our Hungarian Lawyer – his speciality is in Immigration Law – who we appointed to handle our applications, the previous to the up-coming 2025 – 2027 period, that through CHANGES in Immigration Law, put in place by the present Government of Hungary, by use of there ability to “Rule by Decree” – that WE – the people we are, the details of US – that I have “shared” with readers, having no “hidden agenda” – being TRUTH totally – we are being advised – by our Hungarian – Immigration Lawyer – that after June 2025 – we WILL – in HIGH, high PROBABILITY – be refused, not accepted to remain – live in Budapest, Hungary.
Is there RIGHT in this – high PROBABILITY ?
If we were – as detailed – RETIRED – from a European Union country, from within a Schengen country – Hungarian – Immigration Legal advise, is that our CHANCES – of extension to Residency Permit Status – would NOT have PROBLEMS – to obtain a Residency Permit.
Are we viewed seen as a TREAT – to the present Government of Hungary – being in our DNA – from a country Australia – a DEMOCRACY ???
Residency Permit Status – gives NO authority to VOTE at General Elections.
We can vote at District level, but from a National perspective – we have NO Vote.
In HOPE, bringing into our “personal” situation – the American EDUCATORS dilemma – the “black & White” applied in his application process, enforced on him, played out – ruled on him, by the Hungarian Immigration Dept. – in HOPE – our situation and that of the American EDUCATOR – can in number, in SOLIDARITY – find in Hungary – a way – that WE can remain, the American Educator, dedicating his 10 years to the Education of Hungarians, we can OVER-COME the hurdles, the difficulties and challenges, that we FACE – remaining to live in Hungary.
WHAT is the “Modus Operandi” – what type of HUMANS – is the present Government, under there Laws of Immigration – who DO they WANT ???
We Trust, in HOPE – our situation, from readers of Daily News Hungary, and that Daily News Hungary through its Editor – become VOICES – in SOLIDARITY – to bring Fairness and Sensibility – into what, this Residency Status Permit Re-newel – the CRESTFALLEN, the FEELING in us, in our lives at this point in time.
I’m sorry to read of your issues and the tangible fear that your residency visa might not be renewed. Whilst you shouldn’t be in a position where you have to leave Hungary if you’re entirely self funded, on the flip side leaving might be the best decision you’ve ever made!
Thank-You – Londonsteve.
On the “flip side” yes, we could just pack up and GO – through the “blessed” position of our Financial status.
I wonder, and there has to be “Big” numbers like we are looking at, not obtaining a re-newel of our Residency Permit, who are un-ware of this Orban – Fidesz Government change to Immigration Law ?
I trust my sharing serves as a notice to those like us that “down the track” have to apply for there – re-newel of there Residency Permit.
Interesting if the major opposition party – might “table” this or make some NOISE – and hopefully see and agree, it is WRONG
We can’t be the ONLY couple who look like “getting the boot” – out of Hungary.
In 10 years’, time, the teacher should have learned to follow procedures. There is no excuse. Why have laws if they will not be followed, that incudes rape, murder, etc. Only bleeding-heart liberals make excuses for every failure of following procedures or obeying laws.
Reading this article, the circumstances of the American Educator and the retired and self funded Australian combined living in Hungary 17 years, under a Residency Permit Status of the Hungarian Immigration Department – following the Laws of Hungary, under Migration & Immigration entry into Hungary covering to work and live, it raises the question and I believe a very valid question ;
What would be the reaction of both the Governments of the United States of America and Australia – both DEMOCRACY, what would there opinion be of the postion both these migration situations, one to stay and continue to Educate in Hungary, and secondly, the retired couple, who just what to live in Hungary ?
Would the Departments of Foreign Affairs – under Migration & Immigration Laws in both the United States of America and Australia would the applicants holders of Hungarian passports, would they be subjected to the vigorous atmosphere on application to work or retire to live, would America or Australia act in what is, to my read, quite a callous attitude afforded these people.
Consideration by either the American or the Australians contacting there Embassy’s – and having a CHAT.
Hungary, does appear to be “shutting out” in the case of the American & Australians people coming into to Hungary in line with people, there background and country they are passport holders of,
The conclusion I’ve come to is that Hungary doesn’t want traditionally liberal minded westerners living here, corrupting the thinking of locals, pointing out the flawed democracy they live in and corrected the falsehoods being spoken about the countries they originate from. Everything, but everything has become about politics here; foreigners are welcome as long as they harbour the ‘correct’ political inclinations. If I had 100 Ft. for every time I’ve been told to go back to where I come from when raising something I find unsatisfactory….
Concur – Londonsteve.
I have used this platform on numerous occasions, in the past, on the subject the “ingrained” into the DNA of Hungarians, carried over from one generation to another using post 1918 as a starting point, that there ability – to THINK – other than what they Lived in – ” smacked in there faces” – had NO way out, as 1956 demonstrated, in the years 1945 through to 1989, that it STILL “controls” dominates them – there WAY of THINKING.
This quite inept thinking process that if you are NOT Hungarian – who really cares what your opinion(s) are.
Hungarians carry this out in a polite procedure, but over years, it has grow, that in my opinion – what the eyes may say, the “happenings” in the head are quite variable, and opposite.
It comes back to just not the “ingrained” generational conduct, way of life, but on EDUCATION, that has lacked massively, in focusing on CREATIVITY – expansion of one’s thinking and learning capabilities.
Imagination, expanding through exploring, the widening, the want to GROW knowledge – the taking on or challenging one-self, through self-education – drive by Motivation, the want factor, doesn’t exist in Hungary – that comes back muchly to Education.
Its sadly noticeable to me the lack of decision making, with any form of Confidence in my position, in academia, dealing with University aged Hungarian students.
There is NO “walking the Plank” – taking the RISK factor, to see what the end may be.
Do they remain post 1918 to 2024 – a society that are very Rank & File ?
I certainly continue to see that behavioural pattern, deeply “rooted” in them, from youth, through to adolescence, then into adulthood.
Give you an example – that would be a gargantuan CHALLENGE not just to my Economics / Commence students – but into the “guts” of those in Hungary, who think they understand the Hungarian Economy – have the answers – to save the Hungarian Economy, those who are “broadsheet in Accounting, Commerce, Economics, Finance – the “supposed” figures men, if I was to say to them – in a lecture presentation ;
“Ladies & Gentlemen – the word SUPERANNUATION – heard of it ?
Do you know, the country of my birth – its GROWTH pattern, its IMPACT – on the country of my birth, since its “mandatory introduction” in 1992 – has been a major contributor to the – individual wealth of citizens and the WEALTH of the country – that is the country of “Kangaroos & Koala’s” – that you also have to keep an eye out, for those “roaming” Aboriginals.
Ladies & Gentlemen, the “learned” brains you are or claimed to be, I set you an exercise.
My next lecture to you, in a fortnights time, will be solely dedicated to SUPERANNUATION – its conduct in a Democratic country.
Ask what you may – from your study of SUPERANNUATION – its Functionality, the mechanics of it, the for or you may THINK the wrongs of it – the purpose , the GOAL of it.
Delve your brains DEEP in it – its a developmental exercise or challenge, that will expand your THINKING – its PURPOSE.
This is your CHALLENGE to TEST me.
The name of this publicly listed Superannuation Fund – is “Kangaroo & Koala”.
I have been a member of it for 25 years.
YOUR CHALLENGE – to the what I believe is FACT, is when you look at the total balance sheet bottom line of this companies Membership contributions and HOLDING’S – that bottom line – could BUY Hungary – the “Worth” totally of Hungary – and HAVE change left over.
That’s your Challenge”.
Would it be far removed from the COMFORT zone of those in the audience?
Would it be outside there intellectual capabilities ?
It would – if they TOOK it on – be EDUCATIONAL to them.
President – William Jefferson, Clinton – did say ;
“Hungarians just find DEMOCRACY too DIFFICULT, to get there Heads around”.
Lot of RIGHT in that opinion.
The DNA – the generational decades post 1918 – not HELPED by the Blind Sightedness, the lacking of any form of CREATIVITY in the Hungarian Education system.
“You do not proceed to drive your motor vehicle either carefully / responsible – through an AMBER Traffic Light.
No risk just STOP”.
Lemmings like – is another term of expression I have, in the past used, expressing the behavioural pattern BREED into Hungarians – that just follow there Pied Piper – who do I refer ? – in the “Dance of Cataclysmic Capitulation” – he on-wards – leads Hungary.
Hungarians – don’t know how to OPPOSE- “rock the boat” – they are AFRAID a feeling of Fear, through the HISTORY of there country – the WHAT will happen to me – if I object or CHALLENGE or simple question – a subject matter, that doesn’t rest comfortable with them.
Interesting – and in opinions, examples I give – STILL goes on and “Feeds” into – the next stage “inglorious” stage of Hungarian History.