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Poland-Belarus Border Crisis: Migrant Surge Prompts Stricter Measures
Even prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Europe was already witnessing a different type of conflict. Poland found itself confronting a ‘hybrid attack,’ as described, originating from its neighbor Belarus, a close ally of the Kremlin. This involved orchestrated waves of migrants, many seeking asylum, being directed towards the Polish border, creating a substantial border crisis.
Belarusian Strategy: Facilitating Migrant Flows
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reportedly encouraged migrants to journey further west and even facilitated visas and travel from Middle Eastern nations. This strategy aimed to overwhelm Western-aligned Poland with asylum seekers as part of a broader hybrid warfare tactic.
Poland’s Border Wall: A Firm Response to Migrant Pressure
Warsaw reacted decisively to the influx, diverging from established EU migration policies by constructing a substantial border wall. Completed in June 2022, this structure now extends over 116 miles along the Polish-Belarusian frontier.
Fortified Border Defenses
The border wall features:
- A five-meter-high metal fence traversing the Polish landscape.
- Extensive barbed wire and razor wire topping the fence.
- Advanced surveillance cameras and heat sensors integrated to detect human activity.
- Reinforced border checkpoints with massive concrete slabs, weighing over 1.5 tonnes each.
- Secondary walls and additional barbed-wire fencing.
Persistent Asylum Attempts Despite Border Wall
Despite the immense scale and cost – reportedly almost £300 million – of the border project, determined asylum seekers continue to attempt crossings. Reports indicate nearly 300 individuals tried to breach the border wall in a single week, highlighting the ongoing migrant pressure.
Poland Implements Asylum Ban Amid Border Concerns
In response to these persistent attempts, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has taken further action by implementing an outright ban on the right to claim asylum in Poland for a minimum of 60 days. Tusk asserted his determination to ‘take back control’ of the nation’s border.
Polish troops are seen pulling up in armed vehicles to arrest migrants this past weekend
Migrants gather on the Belarusian-Polish border near the Polish Kuznica border crossing on November 15, 2021
A crossing on the Polish-Belarusian border in Kuznica, eastern Poland, 03 December 2021
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko speaks to migrants as he visits the transport and logistics centre Bruzgi on the Belarusian-Polish border, in the Grodno region, Belarus November 26, 2021
Hundreds of migrants broke through the Belarusian border fence close to the Kuznica crossing with Poland, before rushing towards Polish barbed wire barricades, in 2021
Polish forces are seen standing guard at the border to block the passage of migrants from Belarus in 2021
These extraordinary scenes show crowds of migrants trying to break through the Polish border fence with Belarus in 2021. It came as the West accused Belarusian autocrat Alexander Lukashenko of ‘weaponising’ immigration and engaging in a ‘hybrid war’
Since 2021, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Finland have seen a huge spike in the number of people illegally crossing their borders
Hybrid Warfare Tactics Intensify at Poland-Belarus Border
The hybrid warfare strategy employed by Belarus reached a critical point in November 2021, marked by large gatherings of migrants at the Polish border. Heavily equipped riot police and border security units were deployed to manage the disturbances, which included numerous attempts by migrants to breach the then-incomplete border defenses.
Clashes and Border Security Measures
During one intense confrontation, a group of over 1,000 migrants attempted to dismantle a barbed-wire fence but were repelled by Polish guards using pepper spray. Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki described the events as an ‘invasion’ orchestrated by Belarus, asserting the government’s resolve to protect national security.
Increased Asylum Applications Despite Border Wall
While the border wall’s construction was completed in June 2022 after months of work, the number of asylum applications in Poland has continued to rise. Recent footage showed 280 migrants attempting to cross from Belarus, successfully breaching the fence with a cutting torch before being apprehended by Polish border guards in armored vehicles.
New Asylum Ban: A Stricter Border Policy
This latest border breach reportedly prompted Prime Minister Tusk to enact a 60-day suspension of the right to claim asylum. The ban includes exceptions for unaccompanied minors, pregnant individuals, the elderly, those with health issues, and anyone facing ‘real risk of serious harm’. Tusk stated the two-month ban would be implemented immediately.
A view shows posts at Bruzgi-Kuznica checkpoint on the Belarusian-Polish border amid the migrant crisis in the Grodno region, Belarus, December 23, 2021
Irregular migrants are seen near Bruzgi checkpoint as they continue to wait at the Polish-Belarusian border during cold weather on November 18, 2021
Migrants gather to get warm clothes inside a logistics center at the checkpoint “Kuznitsa” at the Belarus-Poland border near Grodno, in Grodno, Belarus, Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021
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A migrant was seen hacking at the barbed wire barrier with a spade while a Polish guard sprayed him with pepper spray in 2021
Tusk has sought to tighten up Poland’s borders since coming into office
President Duda’s Initial Hesitation and Eventual Approval
Polish President Andrzej Duda initially expressed concern that the asylum suspension might negatively impact genuine refugees from Belarus. However, he ultimately approved the ban after receiving assurances that provisions would be in place to accommodate vulnerable asylum seekers. Duda emphasized the importance of securing Poland’s borders and supporting border security services.
Regional Border Concerns: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland
Since 2021, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Finland have all experienced a significant surge in illegal border crossings from Belarus and Russia. These nations have accused Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko of leveraging migration to destabilize the European Union.
Asylum Application Statistics in Poland
Over 15,000 individuals applied for asylum in Poland in 2024, marking a 72 percent increase compared to the previous year and the highest annual number since 2016. After Ukrainians, Belarusian citizens constituted the second-largest group of applicants (3,663), followed by Russians (823). Other significant applicant groups originated from Ethiopia (515), Eritrea (505), and Somalia (486).
Human Rights Concerns and EU Scrutiny
Poland’s suspension of asylum rights has faced considerable criticism. Human Rights Watch argues it contravenes Poland’s international and EU obligations and could effectively seal the Poland-Belarus border, exacerbating existing issues of unlawful pushbacks. The organization has urged the EU to consider legal action once the suspension is implemented.
Tusk Defends Asylum Policy: Addressing Illegal Border Crossings
Prime Minister Tusk has dismissed concerns from activists and rights groups, asserting that the policy is not about violating human rights or the right to asylum. Instead, he clarified it focuses on denying asylum applications from individuals illegally crossing the border in groups orchestrated by Lukashenko.
Small children are held up by desperate migrants along with frontier faced down by Polish forces in 2021
Over 15,000 people applied for asylum in Poland in 2024, 72 per cent more than a year earlier
Polish soldiers stand by the reinforced barrier at the Polish-Belarusian border,
Tusk has refused to sign up to the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum
Poland Opts Out of EU Migration Pact
In February, the Polish government confirmed its decision not to participate in the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, designed to manage asylum seeker arrivals. The agreement offered member states options including migrant relocation, financial contributions, or operational support for resettlement. Poland and Hungary have opposed the pact, despite its legally binding nature for EU members.
Poland’s Stance on EU Migration Policy
Tusk reiterated that Poland would not implement the Migration Pact in a way that introduces additional immigrant quotas. He affirmed Poland’s readiness to cooperate on protecting Europe from illegal migration but emphasized that Poland would not assume further burdens, citing the significant intake of Ukrainian refugees following the 2022 Russian invasion.
EU Acknowledges Poland’s Refugee Efforts
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recognized Poland’s significant contribution to accommodating Ukrainian refugees since 2022.
Broader European Trend: Stricter Asylum Policies
Other EU member states are also enacting measures to limit asylum seeker rights. Finland has blocked entry for migrants crossing from Russia since 2023, and incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to halt irregular migration across Germany’s land borders upon assuming office.