A group of asylum seekers journeying towards Hungary, escaping conflict.

Refugee Routes: Why Asylum Seekers Choose Hungary

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Lena Voss in Politics & Policy December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the factors influencing asylum seeker destinations, challenging economic migrant claims."


In recent years, the number of asylum applications in European Union (EU) member states has reached unprecedented levels. A surge was witnessed between 2010 and 2016, impacting not only the traditional Western European countries, but also Central and Eastern European (CEE) nations. Among these, Hungary stood out, accounting for 82.7% of all applications filed in CEE countries in 2015.

While the CEE states are relatively new to the field of refugee protection, the creation of asylum policies and the adoption of EU regulations were essential for EU accession. These countries needed to implement directives such as the Reception Conditions Directive (2003), the Qualification Directive (2004), and the Asylum Procedures Directive (2005), to align with the Common European Asylum System (CEAS).

This article delves into the reasons why asylum-seekers disproportionately choose Hungary as their initial point of entry into the EU. Beyond geographical convenience, we'll explore the pull and push factors influencing their decisions. Furthermore, we'll examine the validity of claims suggesting that these asylum-seekers are primarily 'economic migrants' rather than individuals fleeing conflict.

Decoding the Asylum Seeker's Choice: More Than Just Location

A group of asylum seekers journeying towards Hungary, escaping conflict.

For years, Hungary has been a focal point for asylum-seekers entering the European Union, particularly between 2002 and 2016. Despite this, the existing literature has largely overlooked the specific factors drawing individuals to this country. While its location on the Balkan migration route offers a seemingly straightforward explanation, a deeper analysis reveals a more complex reality.

A comprehensive study utilizing panel data and fixed effects regressions highlights the significant role of Hungary's immigration policies in shaping asylum-seeker choices. The research challenges the narrative that arrivals are primarily economic migrants, instead pointing towards violent conflict in their home countries as a primary driver.

  • Asylum-Seeker Patterns: The study analyzes asylum applications from 2002-2016 to reveal trends and choices.
  • Policy Impacts: It identifies key immigration policies in Hungary that influence asylum-seeker decisions.
  • Challenging Claims: The research debunks the idea that most asylum-seekers are economic migrants.
  • Conflict as a Driver: It highlights violent conflict as a major factor prompting people to seek asylum in Hungary.
The research emphasizes that asylum-seekers make rational decisions when choosing their destination (Moore & Shellman, 2007; Neumayer, 2004, 2005). One significant pull factor identified in the case of Hungary is the rate of asylum recognition. Conversely, the restrictiveness of Hungary's border policies appeared to have an inconclusive impact. Surprisingly, factors like aid, trade, and income differences between Hungary and the countries of origin did not significantly affect asylum applications.

The Human Side of Immigration: Beyond the Headlines

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the multifaceted reasons behind asylum-seeker destinations. While Hungary's geographical location plays a role, its immigration policies and recognition rates are key determinants. Most importantly, the evidence suggests that asylum-seekers are primarily driven by conflict and violence in their countries of origin.

These findings challenge the rhetoric that labels asylum-seekers as economic migrants, highlighting the urgent need for nuanced and humane immigration policies. Recognizing the real drivers behind asylum claims, such as violent conflict, is essential for creating effective and compassionate responses to the global refugee crisis.

As violence continues in various regions, individuals will continue to seek refuge, and understanding their motivations remains crucial for shaping effective policies and fostering a more compassionate world.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/imig.12528, Alternate LINK

Title: Refugees, Not Economic Migrants ‐ Why Do Asylum‐Seekers Register In Hungary?

Subject: Demography

Journal: International Migration

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: András Tétényi, Tamás Barczikay, Balázs Szent‐Iványi

Published: 2018-11-18

Everything You Need To Know

1

Why did Hungary have such a high percentage of asylum applications filed in CEE countries in 2015?

Asylum seekers choose Hungary as an entry point due to a combination of factors. While its location on the Balkan migration route is a consideration, the research points to Hungary's immigration policies and asylum recognition rates as significant pull factors. Contrary to claims of primarily economic motivations, the study emphasizes that violent conflict in their home countries is a major driver for seeking asylum.

2

Besides geographic location, what 'pull' factors make asylum seekers choose Hungary as their initial entry point into the EU?

The research indicates that Hungary's rate of asylum recognition acts as a 'pull factor,' attracting asylum seekers. However, the impact of Hungary's restrictive border policies appears to be inconclusive in deterring asylum applications. Surprisingly, factors such as aid, trade, and income disparities between Hungary and the asylum seekers' countries of origin do not significantly influence their decisions.

3

According to this study, what is the primary reason people seek asylum in Hungary, and how does this challenge the 'economic migrant' argument?

The study challenges the notion that most individuals seeking asylum in Hungary are primarily 'economic migrants.' Instead, it highlights violent conflict in their countries of origin as the primary reason for seeking refuge. The research emphasizes that asylum seekers make rational decisions, weighing various factors when choosing their destination.

4

How does Hungary's adoption of EU regulations, specifically the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), affect asylum policies?

The Common European Asylum System (CEAS) aims to harmonize asylum procedures and standards across EU member states. To align with CEAS, Hungary and other Central and Eastern European nations had to implement directives like the Reception Conditions Directive, the Qualification Directive, and the Asylum Procedures Directive. However, the effectiveness and consistent application of these directives across all member states remain a subject of ongoing debate and research.

5

What research methods were used to determine why asylum-seekers choose Hungary?

The study utilizes panel data and fixed effects regressions to analyze asylum applications in Hungary from 2002 to 2016. This quantitative approach allows researchers to identify trends, assess the impact of specific immigration policies, and challenge prevailing narratives about asylum seekers' motivations. The findings provide evidence-based insights into the complex factors influencing asylum-seeker choices.

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