The European Union is concerned that a new Hungarian visa requirement for foreign workers from Russia and Belarus may jeopardize EU security, after a prominent conservative politician alerted the trading bloc about it.

Manfred Weber, Chairman of the European People's Party (EPP), cautioned European Council President Charles Michel in a letter that visa liberalization could pose a "serious risk" to EU securitngary historically had a specific visa policy for foreign workers from Ukraine and Serbia. In July, Budapest expanded the rules to include eight countries, including travelers from Russia and Belarus.

European People's Party's (EPP) Chairman Manfred Weber warned European Council President Charles Michel in a letter that the visa liberalization move could pose a "serious risk" to EU security.

Hungary has previously operated a special visa regime for foreign workers from Ukraine and Serbia. Budapest expanded the rules in July to eight countries, including visitors from Russia and Belarus.

According to visa restrictions, international workers can stay for two years and then have their stay extended for another three years - as many times as they like.

Foreign workers may work in any profession. However, in order to profit from the regulations, people must demonstrate that they have a job, housing, and health insurance in Hungary.

"Such a policy could create grave loopholes for espionage activities, and potentially allow large numbers of Russians to enter Hungary with minimal supervision," Weber warned in a letter obtained by dpa.

Weber urged EU leaders to reform the Hungarian visa requirements at their upcoming summit in October.