Poland’s parliament has voted to prolong a controversial measure that temporarily suspends the right to seek asylum at its eastern border with Belarus.
The legislation, originally introduced in March, was extended with the support of 366 lawmakers, while 17 voted against it. The regulation allows Polish authorities to suspend asylum applications for periods of up to 60 days and has been met with sharp criticism from human rights organizations.
Speaking on Tuesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk defended the extension, citing the need to curb irregular migration allegedly facilitated by Belarus and Russia. Tusk argued that both countries are intentionally directing migrants toward Poland in a bid to destabilize Europe. He described the situation as a “serious and real threat” to national security and emphasized that Poland’s “firm” approach has helped control the border situation.
Despite the strict rules, the measure includes exceptions for vulnerable individuals—such as children, pregnant women, those with urgent medical needs, and people facing significant harm if returned. A late amendment to the legislation also permits families traveling with minors to apply for asylum under the new restrictions.
The regulation has drawn concern from international bodies. In February, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees warned that the policy may breach international and EU asylum standards. Last month, Human Rights Watch urged the EU to consider legal action against Poland, stating the law “violates both international and European obligations.”
Despite the criticism, a European Commission spokesperson recently acknowledged that any review of the legislation would consider the broader security context faced by Poland.
