World Bulletin / News Desk

 Hungary's parliament passed legislation on Monday 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.

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 criticised the bill, saying it would weaken refugee protection in Hungary.