Poland Enforces Temporary Asylum Restrictions at Belarus Border

President Andrzej Duda signed a law limiting asylum applications to legal entrants during declared border emergencies, citing security concerns and hybrid threats from Belarus and Russia.

The new law restricts asylum applications for 60 days to individuals who enter Poland legally during declared border emergencies, with potential extensions requiring parliamentary approval.
Poland fortified its border with Belarus, responding to increased migration pressure and accusing Belarus and Russia of weaponizing migration to destabilize the EU.
Exceptions to the restrictions include minors, pregnant women, and individuals credibly claiming political persecution, such as Belarusian opposition members.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have criticized the law as violating Poland's international and EU obligations.
The EU has conditionally supported Poland's measures, recognizing member states' rights to address hybrid threats while balancing adherence to human rights standards.

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Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung