The bill amends Poland’s law on granting international protection, enabling the government to impose a 60-day ban – renewable with parliamentary approval – on the submission of asylum claims.
The declared aim is to prevent “destabilization of the country’s internal situation,” though lawmakers exempt unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, and individuals facing serious health risks.
Critics warn of constitutional violations
Marcin Sośniak from the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that the parliament’s approval harms both migration policy and national security.
“The bill is absolutely incompatible with the Polish constitution,” he said, adding that it also violates international accords such as the Geneva Convention on Refugees and the European Convention on Human Rights.
Poland’s Commissioner for Human Rights, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, and multiple legislative advisory offices have all condemned the law as unconstitutional.
International organizations including the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Save the Children Poland, and other NGOs have also warned of potential human rights breaches.
Government defends the bill
During Senate deliberations, Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk said the measure is part of broader efforts to manage migration pressures. He insisted that Warsaw sought to balance security needs with Poland’s international obligations.
The Sejm (lower house of parliament) passed the bill on February 21, adding a provision preventing family separations at the border.
Once signed by President Andrzej Duda, the law will allow the Council of Ministers—upon the interior minister’s request—to issue regulations restricting access to asylum applications for up to 60 days at a time.
The measure would only apply to designated border segments, leaving other areas under standard asylum procedures.
(jh)
Source: PAP