A sudden decision in Budapest removes protections for two former Polish officials, raising questions about passports, extradition and diplomatic retaliation.
Hungary has revoked the refugee status of the former Polish Minister of Justice Zbigniew Ziobro and his deputy Marcin Romanowski, who in their homeland face accountability for abuse of power.
According to Reuters, this decision means that Ziobro and Romanowski, whose asylum was granted by former Prime Minister Orbán, will no longer be able to use refugee travel documents that allowed them to leave Hungary.
I have received written confirmation that Hungary has revoked the refugee status of Marcin Romanowski, Zbigniew Ziobro and Patrycja Kotecka-Ziobro (the ex-minister’s wives – ed.). It has also invalidated their travel documents. The wheels of justice turn slowly, but they do turn
– Radosław Sikorski
Context and Consequences of Hungary’s Action
As noted, Ziobro and Romanowski, who served in the government of the Law and Justice party, are accused of misusing funds from the Fund for Justice Victims Assistance for political purposes.
They, in turn, say they have become victims of a political “witch hunt,” as they investigated alleged violations by people close to the current Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
On May 9, the day Hungary’s new prime minister Péter Magyar took office, Ziobro flew to the United States from Milan.
According to the agency, Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau ordered to facilitate issuing him a visa. Landau and the State Department declined to comment on this information.
Romanowski’s whereabouts are unknown.
We will reach out to the appropriate authorities in the United States to determine whether individuals without valid travel documents can continue to reside in the United States
– Waldemar Żurek
Late September last year, Polish police detained the former Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General of the Republic of Poland Zbigniew Ziobro. He was due to appear before a parliamentary committee investigating the use of the Israeli Pegasus spyware during the previous government. After prosecutors brought new charges of possible misuse of funds from the Justice Fund and other episodes, he left for Hungary. In early 2026, Hungary granted him political asylum.
Ultimately, these actions by Hungary create a new dynamic in the bilateral relationship between the two countries and require further diplomatic consideration and legal steps by both sides.