On Wednesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk presented a fresh package of laws on migration policy. A key component of these proposals is the tightening of asylum rules, which is intended to enable the Polish State to better control borders and to manage migration flows more effectively.
During the press conference, the Prime Minister highlighted the serious challenges facing Poland in the context of the migration crisis. – We are recovering control of the Polish borders and visa issuing system; present we adopted a package of laws that we will propose to the Sejm said Tusk. The Prime Minister hoped that, despite first opposition, the fresh rules would be passed.
Temporary limitation of the right to asylum
One of the most crucial points of the fresh law is the announcement of temporary restrictions on the anticipation of submitting applications for global protection. The Prime Minister stressed that this was a consequence to the alleged hybrid war waged by the Belarusian and Russian services, which according to the government cooperate with global smuggling mobs. – The fresh rules are intended to aid control the situation and strengthen national security said the head of government.
The government's proposal has sparked many controversy. Prime Minister Tusk criticised both Law and Justice and president Andrzej Duda for their alleged deficiency of support in tightening asylum law. – As you remember, erstwhile I first reported this readiness to tighten the asylum law, these voices from the PiS opposition, the president were not encouraging said the Prime Minister.
New migration strategy for the period 2025-2030
The fresh asylum law is part of Poland's wider migration strategy for the years 2025-2030, which was adopted by the government on 15 October. This strategy includes, inter alia, changes in visa policy and the introduction of additional restrictions for foreigners applying for global protection.
Prime Minister Tusk acknowledged that the decision to suspend the right to asylum was hard but necessary. – It was an expected decision, though difficult. We must guarantee the safety of our citizens and tackle illegal migration – he said.
Next legislative steps
The Council of Ministers is presently working on 3 draft laws on migration policy. 2 of them were prepared by the Ministry of Interior and Administration and the 3rd by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. The most far-reaching changes concern the rules for granting global protection.
The fresh rules are shortly to be addressed to the Sejm, where they will be subject to further legislative work. Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed hope that there would be a adequate parliamentary majority to adopt fresh regulations.
Criticism and questions about compliance with global law
The government's proposals are controversial among human rights organisations and any of the opposition. The question arises as to whether the temporary limitation of the right to asylum will comply with Poland's global obligations, including the Geneva Convention on Refugees. NGOs stress that any applicant should have the right to a fair examination of his application.
Summary
The fresh package of government on migration policy, including the tightening of asylum rules, is the government's consequence to the challenges of the migration crisis and hybrid threats. Although these proposals face criticism, Prime Minister Tusk considers them crucial to the safety of Poland. The final form of the fresh regulations will depend on further work in the Sejm and on the reaction of public opinion and global organisations.
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Government tightened migration policy
