Poland Drastically Reduces Humanitarian Visas for Belarusian Citizens Amid Security Concerns

In a significant policy shift, Poland has sharply limited the number of humanitarian visas issued to Belarusian citizens, citing security threats and misuse. In 2024, the country has granted only 500 humanitarian visas, a stark contrast to the more than 53,500 issued over the past four years, according to reports from Rzeczpospolita and Schengen.News.

Tightened Eligibility Criteria

Previously, Poland had been lenient with its humanitarian visa process for Belarusians, particularly in the wake of the 2020 political repression under President Alexander Lukashenko. During that time, Poland issued visas with minimal documentation requirements and expedited the process free of charge. However, new regulations ensure that only individuals facing genuine threats to their life, health, or legal prosecution for anti-government actions in Belarus are eligible.

According to a statement from Poland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, humanitarian visas are now strictly reserved for individuals who can demonstrate a direct threat.

“Obtaining a visa for humanitarian reasons should be linked to real situations directly related to a threat to the life or health of the applicant and their immediate family or criminal liability for actions directed against the Belarusian authorities,” the Ministry stated.

Stricter Controls to Prevent Misuse

Polish authorities have pointed to two major reasons for these drastic changes: the alleged misuse of humanitarian visas and security concerns related to Belarusian intelligence operations. Officials revealed that some visa holders used their humanitarian status for repeated travel within the Schengen Zone, rather than as a means of escaping political persecution. More alarmingly, Polish authorities have suggested that the Belarusian government exploited the humanitarian visa system to send undercover operatives into European countries.

To counter these issues, Poland has implemented stricter visa regulations. The humanitarian visa is now issued only once and as a single-entry document. This means that recipients can use it solely for the purpose of safely leaving Belarus but cannot travel back and forth or reapply without exceptional circumstances.

“A humanitarian visa is currently issued once, and as a single-entry national visa in order to ensure the possibility of safe departure from the country of origin,” the Ministry affirmed.

Additional Requirements for Applications Outside Belarus

Belarusian citizens seeking a humanitarian visa from a third country, rather than from Belarus itself, must now provide additional justification to Polish authorities. This added requirement is aimed at ensuring that visas are granted only to those in genuine need, rather than individuals attempting to bypass the new restrictions.

The tightening of Poland’s humanitarian visa policy signals a significant shift in its approach toward Belarusian asylum seekers. While the country had previously maintained an open-door policy for Belarusians fleeing political persecution, it is now taking a more cautious stance, balancing humanitarian concerns with national security priorities.

Sources:

• Rzeczpospolita: https://www.rp.pl
• Schengen.News: https://www.schengen.news