The Polish Government has extended the restriction on the right to submit applications for international protection for persons crossing the Polish-Belarusian border, a measure in place since 27 March 2025. The extension was authorised by a resolution of the Sejm on 14 May 2026 (Journal of Laws, item 505) and subsequently approved by a regulation of the Council of Ministers on 18 May 2026 (Journal of Laws, item 606). The restriction remains in force for an additional 60 days, until 20 July 2026.
The Asylum Act provides several exceptions to the restriction. Unaccompanied minors, pregnant women, persons requiring special treatment due to age, health or other needs, individuals at real risk of serious harm in Belarus, and Belarusian nationals may still apply for international protection at the border. According to the Ministry of the Interior, between 27 March 2025 and 29 May 2026, 141 applications for international protection were accepted, while 480 applications were rejected.
- Ministry of the Interior and Administration | Ministerstwo Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji (21 May, 2026), Czasowe i terytorialne zawieszenie prawa do azylu przy granicy polsko-białoruskiej przedłużone o następne 60 dni [Temporary and territorial suspension of the right to asylum at the Polish-Belarusian border extended for another 60 days],
- Ministry of the Interior and Administration | Ministerstwo Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji (25 May, 2026), Przedłużamy zawieszenie prawa do azylu. Miliardowe inwestycje w sprzęt dla służb MSWiA - podsumowanie trzeciego tygodnia maja [We are extending the suspension of the right to asylum. Billions of investments in equipment for the services of the Ministry of Interior and Administration - summary of the third week of May],