Poland’s leader plans to suspend the right to asylum as country faces pressure on Belarus border

Al Jazeera

Poland to temporarily suspend asylum rights amid Belarus border tensions

The decision comes in response to an ongoing border crisis that Poland claims has been orchestrated by Belarus and Russia since 2021, involving migrants primarily from Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq.

Tusk accused Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and human smugglers of misusing the right to asylum, stating that their actions contradict the essence of this right.

The Polish government intends to present the new migration strategy at a Cabinet meeting on October 15, coinciding with the first anniversary of the current coalition government's election to power.

Poland has previously faced accusations of conducting "pushbacks" of non-European refugees and migrants attempting to enter the country through the border with Belarus, an area known as the "red zone".

Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski announced that Poland will also tighten its visa regulations and enhance the vetting process for applicants as part of the broader effort to control migration.

Suspending the right to asylum violates constitutional principles and international obligations. This drastic measure will push vulnerable migrants into the hands of smugglers and exacerbate their already precarious situation. Instead of addressing the root causes of migration, this policy criminalizes those seeking safety and protection.

Poland to Suspend Asylum Rights Amid Migration Concerns

The Spin

Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Poland to Suspend Asylum Rights Amid Migration Concerns

The Spin

Articles on this story

Sign Up for Our Free NewslettersSign Up for Our Free Newsletters

Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters
Sign Up for Our Free Newsletters