Malik
On 9 November 2007, Malik, an Iraqi citizen, arrived at Budapest International Airport through Syria. Return procedures were instigated against him for travelling with a false visa. Malik was issued an English-language document about the measures being taken against him and received information about his rights and responsibilities in Hungarian.
He was held in detention for two days and returned to Syria on the 11th November 2007. A ban of entry was also issued against Malik; this means that Malik is not able to lawfully seek asylum in Hungary anymore, whilst being of Iraqi citizenship he could presumably be in need of international protection.
The case of Malik is not exceptional. In 2007 several other Iraqi nationals were returned to Syria from the Budapest International Airport due to the lack of valid travel documents or valid visas after being held in detention for about two days.
It could also be established that prior to their return to Syria, the Hungarian authorities did not interview these persons to see whether or not they were in need of international protection. The possession of a false travel document was considered sufficient grounds for enforcing return.
(Source: Hungarian Helsinki Committee)