The Polish government has enacted a new law that suspends access to asylum for individuals crossing into the country from Belarus.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk made the announcement in Brussels, stating that the measure is essential in response to what he characterized as the weaponization of migration by Russia, aimed at undermining regional security.

This legislation has received parliamentary approval and is anticipated to be signed by President Andrzej Duda.

The new law allows Polish authorities to pause the registration of asylum claims in designated border zones for a period of up to 60 days, with the possibility of extension subject to parliamentary consent.

Vulnerable groups, such as unaccompanied minors and pregnant women, are exempt from this suspension.

Tusk reported an increase in attempts to illegally cross the border into Poland, noting daily instances ranging from 100 to 200.

In previous statements, Tusk indicated that the ongoing influx of migrants, particularly from Africa and the Middle East, is part of a strategy orchestrated by the Russian government.

He described these actions as a form of hybrid warfare, alleging that Belarusian border guards are facilitating the movement of migrants to strain Polish resources and create instability within the country.

Human rights organizations have criticized the new law, arguing that it is unlawful and may result in abusive pushbacks, which are deemed illegal under EU and international refugee laws.

A report highlighted instances of violence against migrants in areas such as the Białowieża Forest, alleging systematic beatings, dog attacks, and forced repatriations by Polish border guards, as well as reports of torture and sexual violence by Belarusian officials.

The practice of pushbacks has drawn international condemnation, with the United Nations refugee agency warning that such actions violate the legal protections afforded to asylum seekers.

This latest measure aligns with Poland's increasingly stringent immigration policy as the country approaches its presidential election in May.

Poland has faced migration challenges in the past, particularly during a national emergency declared in 2021 due to a significant number of individuals attempting to cross the border with Belarus.

This crisis was reportedly intensified by the Belarusian government's actions, which allegedly used vulnerable migrants in retaliation for Western sanctions.

Tusk reaffirmed Poland's commitment to securing its eastern border and dismissed proposals to strengthen the western border with Germany against returning asylum seekers, calling these ideas brutal and unnecessary.

He emphasized that Poland would not adhere to EU regulations under the Dublin Regulation, which requires member states to accept migrants who transited through their borders, stating that 'Poland is carrying enough burden.'

In conjunction with the asylum suspension, the Polish government plans to launch an informational campaign targeting potential migrants in their countries of origin, warning that irregular migration will not lead to asylum protection in Poland.

Tusk noted that individuals attempting to enter Poland irregularly would essentially be 'throwing their money away.'