Poland's Controversial Suspension of Asylum Rights at Border with Belarus

In March 2025, Poland enacted a controversial 60-day suspension of the right to claim asylum for individuals crossing from Belarus using a newly passed law. The government justifies this by citing a surge in illegal crossings allegedly orchestrated by Belarus to destabilize Poland and the EU. 

While the law includes exceptions for vulnerable groups, human rights organizations like UNHCR and Poland's Human Rights Commissioner condemn the measure, arguing it violates Polish, EU, and international law, including the principle of non-refoulement, and effectively legalizes abusive pushbacks. Concerns exist about EU complicity due to border security funding, potential violations of the Polish Constitution, and the precedent set for other EU nations facing migration pressures. 

Source: Notes from Poland