Poland faces rising migration crisis at Belarus border

The situation at the Polish-Belarusian border has escalated, with a marked increase in the number of migrants from Africa and the Middle East attempting to cross into Poland. Since mid-2021, the number of irregular crossings has surged, peaking in 2023, with over 26,000 recorded in the last nine months alone. Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz reported that September saw a significant rise in illegal crossings, following relatively calm months in July and August. The Polish government attributes the migration crisis to Belarus, which is believed to be collaborating with Moscow to push asylum seekers towards the border. This has raised concerns about human smuggling networks that are reportedly guiding migrants through border crossings. In response, the government has vowed to combat human smuggling aggressively, viewing it as a threat to national security. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who took office after the 2022 parliamentary elections, Poland has shifted its immigration policy. The government has established a special border zone aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of border guards and other security services. Tusk has emphasized the importance of protecting the border and has characterized the situation as a hybrid war orchestrated by Russia and Belarus. Human rights organizations have criticized the government's approach, citing restricted access to the border for aid groups and reports of inhumane treatment of asylum seekers. Despite these concerns, the current administration remains firm in its commitment to border security and the enforcement of immigration laws.