Our PAR process started with training in October and November 2022 that brough together the team, laid down the group rules including decision-making, and created the base for a common understanding of the PAR method and the topic of integration of migrants in Hungary. The researchers were a group of 12 migrants living in Hungary connected to Artemisszió Foundation and its Intercultural Community, called Mira. The group consisted of 10 female and 2 male researchers coming from 8 countries: India, Iran, Jordan, Kosovo, Mexico, Nigeria, Ukraine, and Uganda, from diverse backgrounds, with diverse purposes of staying in Hungary. The group was meeting every Wednesdays from 18:00-20:00 between November 2022 and November 2023 with the coordination of two staff members from Artemisszió Foundation, who led the sessions and were available for support and consultation throughout the process.

Between November and December 2022, the research topic was identified, and the researchers agreed that one of the most pressing challenges migrants face in Hungary is the lack of information. After finding the topic, the research question was formulated: “How does the lack of information impact migrants’ access to education, healthcare, family benefits, employment, and visas in Hungary?” A general finding of the report is that services in Hungary are often available for migrants as well, however, access is hindered because of language barriers and the lack of information. These barriers are especially present in the field of healthcare and family benefits.

Between April and May 2023, within the frames of the European Union’s AMIF (Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund) funded SHAPE Project, we also participated in study visits in Portugal, Italy and Germany to learn more about how migrants’ integration and participation is supported in these countries and what roles municipalities have in them. We found that providing reliable and accessible information for migrants is key for successful integration.

As a result of our journey in the project and our research, this website called Navigate Hungary has been born to provide reliable and accessible information for migrants about services, opportunities, and everyday life in Hungary.