Pavel Latushka discussed Poland's new migration strategy with the head of the Office for Foreigners (UDSC)
The main topics of the meeting held today in Warsaw between Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, and Tomasz Cytrynowicz, Head of the Office for Foreigners (UDSC) of Poland, were Poland's new migration policy and the opportunities for Belarusian citizens affected by political repression in their homeland.
During the meeting, Pavel Latushka emphasized the need to maintain the possibility for Belarusians to receive international protection in Poland and highlighted problematic issues that require resolution in light of the new migration strategy. Anna Matyievskaya, the head of the "Partyzanka" initiative and a lawyer, also participated in the meeting.
Tomasz Cytrynowicz informed Pavel Latushka that 137,000 Belarusians already have residency rights in Poland, and considering pending applications, the total could reach 200,000 Belarusians in the country.
The head of the UDSC noted that the vast majority of Belarusians who have legalized their status or plan to do so will not be affected by the new strategy, which primarily aims to establish a robust barrier against illegal migration. He reassured those who have legal employment, family ties in Poland, or who advocated for democratic values in Belarus, and who adhere to Polish law, need not worry about upcoming changes in migration policy. The changes are focused on countering illegal and uncontrolled migration.
Tomasz Cytrynowicz provided examples of the new migration policy changes, such as increased scrutiny on the targeted use of visas. For instance, individuals arriving in Poland on tourist visas will not be able to obtain work permits. The purpose of entry for which the visa was issued must be fulfilled, and changing it while in Poland will only be possible under exceptional family circumstances.
The migration policy changes will primarily concern those who attempt to cross the border with the support of the Belarusian border service, rather than those who are legally present in Poland. These changes are linked to addressing the situation regarding the hybrid war from Belarus and Russia against Poland.
It is expected that an implementation document based on the new migration strategy will be adopted, outlining a timeline for changes to Poland's current legislation.
Pavel Latushka requested the inclusion of representatives from the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus and civil society in a roundtable discussion about legislative changes related to Poland's migration policy. It was noted that if a decision is made to hold the roundtable, the request from Belarusian democratic forces for participation will be considered. The UTC plans to submit a formal request to the Polish Minister for Civil Society, Adriana Porowska.
Tomasz Cytrynowicz also announced the initiation of a process to extend the issuance of travel documents for Belarusian citizens starting January 1, 2025, with the possibility of issuing them for two years. Biometric data will be used in the preparation of these documents. Cytrynowicz noted that there are plans to extend the validity of temporary residence permits for foreigners, which are currently issued for up to six months, considering the longer processing times for legalization cases.
According to the head of the office, about 1,500 travel documents have already been issued to Belarusians this year, compared to 450 last year. The increase in issued documents is partly due to the expiration of passports, which can no longer be replaced through Belarusian consular offices.
Pavel Latushka pointed out that in light of the rising repression in Belarus in recent months, especially before the so-called electoral campaign, there will likely be an increase in the number of Belarusian citizens deported from Belarus who will seek international protection in Poland.
The situation concerning documents for Belarusians in Wrocław was also discussed. The head of the UDSC noted that some positive progress has been made in issuing travel documents, but challenges still remain. To streamline the application process for legalization nationwide, an electronic system for submitting residence applications is planned to be introduced next year.
During the meeting, the following additional topics were discussed:
The extension of the possibility for obtaining international protection. Given the increasing number of applications for international protection, Pavel Latushka expressed hope that Poland would support migrants from Belarus fleeing repression. He reminded that for many Belarusians, this step is the only opportunity to escape persecution and the violence perpetrated by Lukashenko's regime.
Issues with providing documents and evidence. Due to the actions of the regime in Belarus, many forced migrants cannot present official documents confirming their persecution. However, the Belarusian diaspora and activists in Poland and other EU countries can assist in verifying cases of persecution and preparing documents. Tomasz Cytrynowicz expressed readiness to consider these circumstances when reviewing applications for international protection.
Access to asylum procedures at the border, including difficulties in submitting asylum applications at the Polish-Ukrainian border.
Conditions of stay in detention centers.
The application of the Dublin Regulation.
Pavel Latushka emphasized the importance of allowing Belarusian citizens facing difficulties in legalization in other countries to submit protection requests in Poland, where they find safer and more supportive conditions. In response, Tomasz Tomasz Cytrynowicz noted that an individual approach could be applied when addressing these issues, which would primarily be based on confirming family and active social ties in Poland.
Following this meeting, negotiations are planned between Pavel Latushka and the Polish Ministry of the Interior and Administration.
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