In the final Protocol, among other points, the following results and agreements were noted:
Legalization of children born in Poland. The Polish side confirmed the possibility of submitting applications for the legalization of the stay of children and individual consideration of such cases. They also requested that information be sent to the Office if there are issues in contacting the voivodeship authorities regarding the legalization of the stay of such children, so that, if necessary, such requests can be promptly addressed.
Recognition of the Polish travel document for foreigners as a document confirming identity. The Belarusian side informed about difficulties, for example, when it comes to employment, providing banking services, and carrying out other formalities.
The Polish representatives noted that the problems with the recognition of such documents in banks and other institutions were mainly due to a lack of information. The Office for Foreigners will contact the Ministry of the Interior and Administration and the Financial Supervision Commission regarding the recognition by the relevant institutions of the foreigner’s temporary identity document, Belarusian passport with a humanitarian visa, and travel document as identification documents for confirming the identity of the applicants.
Issuance of a travel document for foreigners for more than 1 year and the possibility to apply for it 6 months before the passport expires.The possibility of introducing such changes will be considered during the next amendment to the law on foreigners.
Issuance of a travel document when there are no free pages in the passport. The Office for Foreigners will consider this issue and, if necessary, inform the voivodeship authorities about possible solutions.
Right to work while awaiting a decision on the provision of international protection. The Polish side informed that for individuals who had this right before applying for protection (e.g., under a humanitarian visa), this issue will be reviewed during the next amendment to the legislation.
Entrepreneurship. The proposals from the Belarusian side regarding the permission to engage in business for certain categories of foreigners have been forwarded to the Ministry of Development and Technology.
Non-disclosure of information to Belarusian authorities regarding Belarusians obtaining international protection status. The Office for Foreigners noted that when Polish authorities send any requests regarding a Belarusian citizen to Belarusian bodies and institutions, it is unacceptable to disclose that the individual has received international protection in Poland. The Polish representatives requested to be informed about such cases.
"We will continue working with the Office for Foreigners and the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland to find solutions to the problematic issues of legalizing the stay of Belarusians in Poland. It is important to note that the Polish authorities have committed to reviewing and analyzing several of our proposals, as well as sending requests to the relevant ministries and agencies", said Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management.
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