The Polish government reports a nearly 96% decrease in illegal border crossings from Belarus, attributing the decline to security investments and restrictions on asylum claims.
Asylum Restrictions and Migration Control
The Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration (MSWiA) announced a significant reduction in migrant attempts to cross the border with Belarus. The number of attempts fell by almost 96% between the first quarters of 2022 and 2026.
This decrease is attributed to factors including the temporary suspension of the right to asylum, which authorities say was being abused by illegal migrants.
Data on Border Crossings
In the first quarter of 2022, 3,306 attempts to illegally cross the border were recorded. In the first quarter of 2026, that number dropped to just 158.
Continued Border Security Measures
Poland continues to invest in border protection with Belarus and maintains temporary controls on its borders with Germany and Lithuania. Officials state that Polish citizens have a right to feel safe in their country.
Extension of Asylum Restrictions
On March 22, 2026, the MSWiA announced a further extension of the restrictions on applying for international protection at the border with Belarus. The extension, published in the Journal of Laws, will remain in effect for another 60 days.
This is the sixth extension since the mechanism was introduced in March 2025.
Asylum Application Statistics
Between February 27, 2025, and March 26, 2025, border guard facilities on the Belarusian border received 162 asylum applications covering 189 individuals. From March 27, 2025, to February 22, 2026, 451 foreign nationals were denied applications, while 94 applications from vulnerable groups were accepted.
In the same period the previous year (March 27, 2024, to February 22, 2025), 2,723 applications for international protection were filed on the Belarusian border, involving 3,117 people.
Legal Basis for Restrictions
The regulations are based on the so-called asylum law, adopted by the government in December 2024. The law aims to counter the phenomenon of migration being exploited by Belarus, which, in cooperation with Russia and international criminal groups, organizes the smuggling of migrants to the European Union.
The justification for the regulation emphasizes that the reasons for restricting the right to asylum have not ceased and that the instrumentalization of migration continues to pose a serious threat to Poland’s security.
Criticism from NGOs
Organizations involved in refugee assistance oppose the regulations restricting the right to apply for international protection, arguing they are inconsistent with the Polish Constitution (specifically Article 56, paragraph 2) and international obligations, such as the 1951 Refugee Convention.
