Karabakh Armenians move to Hungary despite lack of diplomatic ties

Armenian media report that Karabakh Armenians are leaving Armenia and resettling in countries such as Russia, France, Germany — and even Hungary, despite the absence of diplomatic relations between Yerevan and Budapest.

The relocation is reportedly facilitated by the Hungarian branch of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s charity service, which supports migrants. Initially, Hungary accepted students from Karabakh, later allowing them to bring family members and relatives.

One Karabakh Armenian said the charity provided his family with housing for a year and a monthly allowance based on family size. He added that integration is tied to learning the Hungarian language and starting work, with some schools now having Karabakh Armenian children in nearly every class.

However, some returnees cited difficulties with adaptation and language requirements as reasons for leaving Hungary.

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry responded to local media inquiries by stating that Hungary has not launched any official resettlement programs and that the ministry does not have data on how many Karabakh Armenians now reside in Hungary.