Billboards warning migrants to obey Hungarian laws, and not take Hungarian jobs have been going up around the country as part of a government initiative.

Condemned by the opposition parties, which conducted a poll that recorded 98% opposition to the campaign, it has also been criticised by the UN, and from July 1 the UNHCR will be conducting a poster campaign of its own.

“What is unusual in Hungary is that in many countries when there is xenophobia, it’s raised by marginal parties, it’s raised by right wing parties, it’s raised by some fringe groups. What is unusual in Hungary is to see the government trying to whip up xenophobia. But what is really encouraging is to see the public reacting against it and wanting to support refugees,” said the UNHCR’s Central Europe representative Kitty McKinsey.

Critics say most migrants present no problems, and say the government is practicing classic deflection from its own shortcomings and economic failures. Average monthly salaries here are