On 18 September 2026, the government extended the restriction on the right to submit applications for international protection for persons crossing the Polish-Belarusian border, a measure which has been in place since 27 March 2025. The extension was authorised by a resolution of the Sejm on 4 September 2026 (Journal of Laws, item 906) and subsequently approved by a regulation of the Council of Ministers on 15 September 2026 (Journal of Laws, item 1217). The restriction remains in force for an additional 60 days, until 17 November 2026.
The Asylum Act provides 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 16 September 2026, 191 applications for international protection submitted by vulnerable applicants were accepted for processing, while 495 were rejected.
- Ministry of the Interior and Administration | Ministerstwo Spraw Wewnętrznych i Administracji (18 September, 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],