"In addressing issues faced by Belarusians deported or forced to flee Belarus, it’s key to recognize the Lukashenko regime does not protect Belarusian citizens’ interests, in fact, he denied consular and legal aid to hundreds of thousands outside Belarus," said Deputy Head of Belarus' United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka, during a working meeting with Poland's Head of Office for Foreigners, Tomasz Cytrynovicz.
Tomasz Cytrynovicz informed the meeting participants that over 130,000 Belarusian citizens have been legalized in Poland so far, with many applications pending.
Pavel Latushka thanked the Office for Foreigners leadership for attentively addressing the issues faced by the Belarusians forced to emigrate, and for approving the vast majority of international protection cases. He highlighted several problems still needing solutions.
In particular, the matter of issuing necessary documents for Belarusians in Lower Silesian Voivodeship was raised again. 300 appeals from citizens are under review there. Tomasz Cytrynovicz plans to visit Wroclaw to meet with the voivode and explore potential solutions, as well as to report back separately on the meeting's outcome.
Issues were raised about shady individuals selling spots in line outside Tabarova 33 in Warsaw to people submitting international protection applications. The Office of Foreigners informed that certain measures aimed at restoring order have already been taken and the situation remains monitored.
Tomasz Cytrynovicz informed Pavel Latushka that Poland plans to launch an electronic application system for residence permit cards next year. Cytrynovicz stressed the importance of Belarusians resolving any documentation issues promptly to prevent potential difficulties.
At the end of 2025, humanitarian residence permits granted in 2022 based on humanitarian visas will expire. The Polish immigration office recommends that holders of these permits take steps to legalize their continued stay in Poland through standard procedures before their current permits expire. Legalization can be sought based on employment, education, economic activity, family reunification, or other qualifying factors.
Issues related to obtaining international protection within Poland were also discussed. Tomasz Cytrynovicz explained that applications for international protection from individuals who entered Poland using a visa issued by a Schengen country other than Poland would be assessed individually. He emphasized that decisions in such cases would consider the potential implications for Polish sovereignty.
Anna Matsieuskaya, head of the "Partyzanka" initiative, stressed the importance of handling the personal data of individuals seeking international protection with utmost responsibility to prevent any disclosure to the Lukashenko regime. She highlighted that the current 90-day validity period for temporary identity documents is insufficient and requires extension. The head of the immigration office assured her that steps to extend the validity period would be implemented soon.
Pavel Latushka expressed gratitude for the inclusion of the Belarusian language in the Refugeebook mobile application. Tomasz Cytrynovicz, head of the Office for Foreigners, responded by noting that a Belarusian version of the office's website would be developed soon in response to a request from the National Anti-Crisis Management.
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