Hungarian officials allege VFS Global data retention breach

Hungarian officials have alleged that VFS Global improperly retained applicant data, raising fresh privacy concerns for travelers whose visa records may be relevant to the schengen 90 180 rule. The allegation centers on whether personal information was kept longer than permitted under rules governing visa processing and data retention.

The claim comes as Europe’s short-stay visa system is already under close scrutiny, with the schengen 90 180 rule limiting most non-EU visitors to 90 days of stay within any 180-day period. Any data-handling lapse involving visa applicants can draw attention because records tied to entry, exit, and compliance are often sensitive.

Officials have not yet released full details of the alleged breach, and it was not immediately clear how many applicants may have been affected. VFS Global has not publicly responded in the materials provided, and the matter may prompt further review of document retention practices across Schengen visa service providers.