A significant increase in the number of applications for international protection by Ukrainians was recorded in Poland
In Poland, there is a significant increase in the number of applications for international protection from foreigners, in particular Ukrainians. In 2024, the number of applications increased significantly, which indicates a growing need for protection among refugees from various countries, including Ukraine.
A sharp increase in applications for international protection
According to the Office of Foreigners of Poland, more than 12,000 applications for international protection were submitted in the first nine months of 2024. This is 80% more than in the same period of the previous year, when the number of applications was much lower. Compared to last year, the increase was about 5,500 additional applications. This indicates the worsening of the situation in the applicants’ countries of origin and the growing need for security.
During the period from January to September 2024, the Office for Foreigners of Poland reviewed 8,400 applications for international protection submitted by foreign citizens. As of the end of September 2024, 4,800 people are recognized as meeting the criteria for such protection.
The vast majority of applicants are Ukrainians
Among the submitted applications, the largest number belongs to citizens of Ukraine, who submitted 4,500 applications. Citizens of Belarus (2,900 applications) and Russia (800 applications) also stand out among the applicants.
Citizens of Ukraine and Belarus received the most positive decisions. In particular, international protection was granted to 2.3 thousand Ukrainians and 2.1 thousand Belarusians. At the same time, Russian citizens became the largest group that was most often refused protection — about 500 refusals out of 1,200 negative decisions during the specified period fell on Russians. About 100 Belarusians and 60 Indian citizens were also refused.
It is interesting that the Russians, like the citizens of Somalia and Syria, often left Poland before the consideration of their applications was completed, due to which the consideration of cases was stopped. In total, in the three quarters of 2024, consideration of 2,400 applications for international protection was terminated.
In addition, a notable number of applications were submitted by citizens of Somalia and Eritrea, with 500 applications from each country. These statistics show the geographical diversity of applicants, as well as the difficult conditions that force people to seek international protection in Poland.
In total, in the three quarters of 2024, consideration of 2,400 applications for international protection was terminated in Poland.
Age and gender structure of applicants
Most of the persons applying for international protection belong to the age group of 18 to 34 years, and men predominate among them. This indicates that young people, often of working age, are more likely to leave their countries due to danger to life or health and seek protection in other countries, such as Poland.
Provision of international protection
International protection in the Republic of Poland can be obtained by a foreigner if he meets certain conditions established by national and international legislation. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, only one EU member state has the right to consider an application for international protection from a foreigner. This is usually the country to which a foreigner first arrives, crossing the external border of the European Union. Such legal norms are defined in the Dublin Regulation, which is valid in all countries of the European Union, as well as in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. From January 1, 2021, Great Britain will no longer be subject to this regulation due to its exit from the EU.
Accordingly, if a foreigner first arrives in the European Union through the Polish border, Poland becomes the only country that has the right to consider his application for international protection. Even if such a person applies for international protection in another country of the European Union, there is a high probability that he will be returned to the territory of Poland for consideration of the request.
International protection in Poland can be obtained by foreigners who meet the conditions for granting refugee status or are entitled to additional protection. In order to receive refugee status, a foreigner must meet certain criteria, including proving the existence of a well-founded fear of becoming a victim of persecution in the country of origin on the basis of race, nationality, religious beliefs, political views or belonging to a certain social group.
Additional protection is granted to aliens who do not qualify for refugee status, but whose return to their country of origin could result in serious harm. This harm may include the death penalty, torture, inhumane treatment or a real threat to life or health, which is caused, for example, by large-scale acts of violence against the civilian population in the context of international or internal armed conflict. In such a situation, the person is unable or unwilling to avail himself of the protection of his country of origin.
Foreigners can submit an application for international protection in Poland immediately upon entering Polish territory through checkpoints or at any time during their stay in the country by contacting the Border Guard units. In addition, such applications can be submitted during the stay of foreigners in temporary detention centers, distribution reception centers for foreigners, temporary detention centers or in prisons.
Consequently, Poland remains an important center for providing international protection to foreigners, in particular Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Russians. The increase in the number of applications for protection in 2024 underlines the importance of Poland’s role in the European refugee reception system and its efforts to support those who are at risk in their own countries.
