Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says Poland will temporarily halt asylum applications from migrants crossing the Belarus border, under a new law criticized by rights groups and the UN.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that his government will temporarily suspend the right of migrants arriving via the Belarus border to apply for asylum.
The move follows President Andrzej Duda’s signing of a controversial bill that allows Polish authorities to suspend asylum rights for up to 60 days at a time. Tusk said the law would be implemented without delay, while Duda defended it as essential for strengthening border security.
The measure has faced criticism from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Poland’s human rights commissioner, who argue it violates European and international law. Despite this, the bill passed parliament last month with broad support from both the ruling coalition and the opposition.
Tusk dismissed the concerns, saying the law is aimed at deterring migrants who illegally cross the border in organized groups backed by Belarusian authorities, rather than those seeking asylum through legal channels.
Exemptions will apply to unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, the elderly or ill, and individuals facing serious harm if returned.
Poland received a record number of asylum applications last year amid a prolonged crisis at the Belarus border, where, since 2021, tens of thousands of migrants and asylum seekers—primarily from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa—have attempted to cross with the support of Belarusian authorities.
Read next
15:39
Mount Etna
Mount Etna, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted once more early on Saturday, with ash and lava spewing from the southeastern crater. The eruption, which began late Friday night, continued through midday, local sources reported.
13:59
The Holy Fire
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
13:45
China
In a groundbreaking event, China hosted the world’s first humanoid robot race, where robots and humans competed side by side. The competition saw Chinese-made Tien Kung Ultra emerge victorious in the half-marathon, completing the 21-kilometer course in an impressive 2 hours and 40 minutes.
10:35
Morning brief
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 19th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
10:32
White House
he Trump administration has replaced the Covid.gov website, once a central hub for COVID-19 resources, with a new platform focusing on the lab leak theory regarding the virus's origins.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment