Poland Confirms Ongoing Closure of Belarus Border Amid Escalating Migrant Crisis

Poland has reaffirmed its decision to keep the border with Belarus closed, citing persistent security threats and "migrant instrumentalisation" by Belarusian authorities. The statement comes from Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak, who emphasized that there is “no possibility” of reopening the checkpoints under the current conditions.

Poland Responds to Belarus-Linked Border Provocations

According to Siemoniak, the Belarusian regime has deliberately facilitated irregular migration, sending migrants to the Polish border in what Warsaw views as a form of political provocation. He also condemned hostile actions against Polish border guards, further escalating the tension between the two countries.

On April 5, the Polish Border Guard reported that the migrant crisis is growing more violent, with increasingly aggressive attempts to breach the border—often allegedly assisted by Belarusian forces.

Regional and EU-Wide Response

In coordination with Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Poland has implemented heightened border controls on Belarus and Russia. These measures are part of a broader EU effort to stem irregular migration and fortify national security in response to state-sponsored migrant movements.

New Legislation Targets Asylum Access From Belarus

As reported by Politico, Poland is advancing a new law, backed by EU leaders, to suspend access to asylum for migrants entering from Belarus. The policy shift follows allegations that Russia and Belarus are coordinating to destabilize the EU through orchestrated migration flows.

In October 2024, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk labeled the surge in irregular migration as “hybrid warfare” orchestrated by Russia, claiming it was using migration as a tool of disruption. He noted that most migrants attempting to cross the border are nationals from Africa and the Middle East, and accused Belarusian border guards of direct involvement in facilitating crossings.

Tusk cited daily attempts to cross the border ranging from 100 to 200, highlighting the scale of the pressure on Polish border forces.

Human Rights Concerns Raised

The new measures have been met with criticism from rights groups and legal observers, who argue that the proposed law could violate both EU and international refugee laws. Critics have labeled the legislation an endorsement of “abusive pushbacks”, denying migrants the right to seek asylum and receive individual case assessments.