Poland Temporarily Suspends Asylum Claims for Migrants at Belarus Border

Sat Jul 19 2025 02:33:49 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Poland Temporarily Suspends Asylum Claims for Migrants at Belarus Border

Poland's government moves to restrict asylum applications amidst ongoing migration crisis amid border tensions.


In a controversial shift, Poland's Prime Minister condemns illegal crossings, arguing that security measures are essential while rights groups raise alarms about humanitarian implications.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a temporary suspension of asylum rights for migrants arriving from Belarus, following the passage of a new law approved by President Andrzej Duda. This legislation allows authorities to halt asylum applications for up to 60 days, a decision Tusk claims is imperative for bolstering national security. The law is aimed primarily at controlling large groups of migrants deemed a potential threat, although it has sparked significant criticism from advocacy organizations, which argue it violates EU and international obligations.

Human Rights Watch has denounced the law as potentially sealing off the already strained Poland-Belarus border, highlighting ongoing allegations of abusive practices such as unlawful pushbacks by Polish authorities. The government maintains that exemptions will be in place for vulnerable individuals, including unaccompanied minors, the elderly, and anyone facing "real risk of serious harm" if returned to their home countries.

In defense of the actions, Tusk has reiterated his government's position, framing the changes as necessary amidst organized migration efforts allegedly orchestrated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. The current situation follows a surge in border crossings since 2021, with thousands of soldiers and border guards deployed by Poland to manage the influx. A steel barrier has also been constructed along the 186 km border to further enhance security.

The EU has expressed concerns regarding the Belarusian and Russian governments' role in leveraging migration as a tool for destabilization, dubbed "weaponizing migration." As the humanitarian situation develops, with reports of fatalities on both sides of the border, the debate over security and human rights continues to intensify among policymakers and activists alike.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 23:11:52 GMT

North Korea Revokes Access to New Seaside Resort for Foreign Tourists

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 23:11:52 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:56:00 GMT

Sectarian Violence Erupts in Suweida: Druze Residents Haunted by Brutality

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 13:56:00 GMT
Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:57:16 GMT

North Korea's Seaside Resort Closure to Foreigners Raises Questions on Tourism Strategy

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 09:57:16 GMT
Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:09:26 GMT

Cristosal Human Rights Group Abruptly Exits El Salvador Amid Escalating Repression

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:09:26 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:53:14 GMT

**Eswatini to Repatriate U.S. Deportees Amid Controversial Policy Shift**

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 21:53:14 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:08:52 GMT

US Deports Five Convicted Criminals to Eswatini Amid Controversy

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:08:52 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:27:02 GMT

U.S. Winds Up Deportation Strategy, Sending Convicted Criminals to Eswatini

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:27:02 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:53:29 GMT

Afghan Women Deported from Iran: A Return to Harsh Realities under Taliban Rule

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:53:29 GMT
Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:51:41 GMT

**Israel Responds with Airstrikes Amidst Sectarian Violence in Suweida**

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:51:41 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:04:14 GMT

**Ethiopian Army Accused of Executing Humanitarian Workers in Tigray Conflict**

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:04:14 GMT
Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:45:41 GMT

From Military Leader to Statesman: The Complex Legacy of Buhari in Nigeria's Political Landscape

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:45:41 GMT
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:04:25 GMT

Weaponizing the Courts: The Dark Side of Lawfare Explored

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 20:04:25 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:57:56 GMT

A Tragic Loss: 12-Year-Old Bridgit Njoki Killed Amidst Kenya's Protests

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 11:57:56 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:53:18 GMT

Russian Tourists Visit New North Korean Resort Amid Concerns Over Human Rights Violations**

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:53:18 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:47:00 GMT

Judge Halts Trump's Indiscriminate Immigration Detention Practices

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:47:00 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:44:17 GMT

**Indigenous Community Fights to Preserve Sacred Springs Amidst Coal Mining Controversy**

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:44:17 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:35:55 GMT

**Tragic Loss of 12-Year-Old During Protests Highlights Violence in Kenya**

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:35:55 GMT
Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:28:46 GMT

North Korea's New Resort Attracts First Russian Tourists Amid Human Rights Concerns

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 03:28:46 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:39:40 GMT

ICC Alleges War Crimes in Sudan Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crisis

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 23:39:40 GMT
Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:55:36 GMT

Trump's 35% Tariff Threat on Canadian Goods: A Trade Tipping Point

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:55:36 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.