Poland has officially suspended the right of illegal immigrants to apply for asylum, in a move the government says is designed to tighten border security and preserve national order.
The announcement, confirmed by government sources on Wednesday, comes amid growing political pressure over irregular migration into the country via its eastern borders.
The suspension means that migrants who enter Poland illegally—without using official border crossings or presenting proper documentation—will no longer be eligible to submit asylum applications under Polish law. It is expected to apply with immediate effect, though humanitarian exemptions may still be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Polish authorities say the decision was made in response to what they describe as “systematic attempts to destabilise national borders,” particularly along the frontier with Belarus, where the government has accused neighbouring regimes of encouraging illegal crossings.
Interior Minister Mariusz Kamiński stated:
“We are determined to protect our sovereignty and the integrity of our borders. The asylum system exists for those who follow the law—not for those who bypass it.”
Human rights organisations have condemned the measure, warning that it risks breaching international obligations under the Geneva Convention, which guarantees individuals the right to seek asylum regardless of how they enter a country.
Amnesty International Poland responded with concern, saying:
“This policy undermines fundamental human rights and could lead to the forced return of people to countries where they may face persecution.”
Poland has seen increasing tension over migration in recent years, particularly since 2021, when thousands of migrants attempted to cross from Belarus amid accusations of state-sponsored human trafficking by Minsk. Since then, the Polish government has constructed a controversial border wall and strengthened patrols along the eastern frontier.
The European Commission has not yet commented on today’s announcement, but the move is likely to add fuel to ongoing EU debates over migration reform and border enforcement across the bloc.
More updates to follow as the story develops.
