- Poland reported a 96% drop in illegal border crossing attempts from Belarus in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2022.
- The decline is attributed to consistent state policy, stronger border security, and new legal measures, including the suspension of asylum rights.
- Authorities continue investing in border infrastructure, including a 5.5-meter fence and electronic surveillance systems.
WARSAW (Azat TV) – Polish authorities have reported a sharp 96% decrease in attempts to illegally cross the border from Belarus in the first quarter of 2026. According to Poland’s Interior Ministry, only 158 such attempts were recorded during this period, compared to 3,306 in the same period of 2022.
Officials say the significant decline is the result of consistent state policy and increased investment in border protection. Border Guard officers, who are deployed daily along the country’s eastern frontier, have played a key role in improving the situation.
New Legal Measures and Strengthened Border Security
The Interior Ministry also highlighted the importance of newly introduced legal measures, including the suspension of the right to seek asylum. Polish authorities argue that this mechanism had previously been exploited by individuals attempting to enter the country illegally.
Despite the clear reduction in migration pressure, the Polish government has no plans to ease security measures along the Belarusian border.
Investment in border infrastructure is ongoing, alongside the continuation of temporary controls at borders with Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. “Migration is under control, but we remain vigilant,” the ministry said, emphasizing that ensuring public safety remains a top priority.
Physical Barrier and Technological Surveillance
Since 2022, the border with Belarus has been reinforced with a 5.5-meter-high physical barrier equipped with barbed wire. The area is also monitored באמצעות cameras and advanced electronic surveillance systems.
Despite these measures, the border has faced repeated attempts of illegal crossings in recent years, often involving organized groups of migrants. Border guards have also reported discovering tunnels used to unlawfully enter Poland and the European Union.
The reduction in illegal crossing attempts reflects Poland’s intensified migration control efforts, which form part of a broader European strategy to manage the EU’s external borders.