Hungary passes law to build 'anti-migrant' border fence

Hungary's parliament has passed legislation that tightens its asylum rules, providing the legal framework for the erection of a fence along the country's southern border with Serbia to stem the flow of illegal migrants.

Illegal migrants walk toward the city centre next to the fence around the refugee camp in Debrecen, 221 kms from Budapest. (AAP) Source: AAP

The legislation shortens the time frame for screening asylum claims and will allow Budapest to reject claims from migrants who on their journey from Syria, Afghanistan or Iraq have passed through safe countries.

The United Nations and the Council of Europe have criticized the bill, saying it would weaken refugee protection in Hungary.