Poland urges EU to deny asylum to migrants who violently cross its borders
Poland has already introduced similar measures of its own on its border with Belarus.
Poland is advocating for the European Union to deny asylum to migrants who cross its borders in organized, aggressive groups, just as Poland has done on its own border with Belarus. Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk stated that this policy is aimed at denying asylum to individuals who illegally cross the border using violence or destroying border security measures.
Poland will propose an expanded interpretation of article 33 of the United Nations’ Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees during an upcoming European Council meeting. This article outlines the principle of "refoulement," which prevents states from expelling or returning refugees to places where they would face threats to their life or freedom.
Poland seeks to apply this clause to situations where asylum seekers have been part of organized and aggressive border crossings. Since 2021, Poland has banned asylum claims from individuals who illegally cross the border from Belarus, a measure that has been consistently renewed. This ban was implemented as a temporary measure in March 2025, with the goal of preventing weaponized migration from Belarus.
In 2025, nearly 40,000 attempted illegal crossings from Belarus were recorded, with only 235 in the first half of 2026. Poland claims a 100% success rate in apprehending illegal migrants, but human rights concerns have been raised about the prolonged validity of this ban and the unlawful actions of border guards.
Written by urgent.news from Notes from Poland's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
