Kovács, Eszter: Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Hungarian Citizens Abroad. In: Lafleur JM., Vintila D. (eds.): Migration and Social Protection in Europe and Beyond (Volume 2). IMISCOE Research Series. Springer, Cham. The open access chapter is available at: HERE.

Abstract

This chapter presents Hungary’s policies for nationals abroad. First, it discusses the different types of Hungarian diaspora groups (including the Hungarian national minorities in Hungary’s neighbouring countries) and their relation with the homeland. Second, the chapter introduces the general institutional framework by which Hungarian authorities interact with ethnic kin communities and nationals abroad, as well as the engagement policies with this population abroad outside of the area of social protection. Third, it offers an overview of the policies, programmes and services offered by the home country authorities to respond to the social protection needs of nationals abroad. The chapter argues that Hungarian policies for nationals and ethnic kin communities abroad primarily focus on culturally and politically engaging this population and on strengthening their national identity, while the effects of these policies in terms of social protection are less characteristic. The current Government’s policies emphasize national survival and interest, and since Hungarian groups abroad have an important role in this agenda, the homeland’s focus on the diaspora’s identity and attachment to Hungary logically follows from the government’s nationalistic goals.