Characteristics of Polish Migration Policy in the Context of the European Refugee Crisis

Migration policy, which until recently was absent in public space, has found its place in public debate and scientific research in recent years. Undoubtedly, the migration policy gained in popularity in 2015, when migrants began to migrate to Europe on a massive scale and the situation of their uncontrolled influx was described as a migration crisis. Although migration is a common phenomenon and has been known for years, increased migratory movements require countries to pursue a well-considered and consistent policy in this area. The situation in Europe has prompted reflection on Polish policy towards foreigners, which at that time, was different from European standards.

Institutions of international protection for foreigners in Poland – political and legal solutions

Forced migration is a phenomenon affecting various parts of the world. Throughout history, people have been forced to leave their own country due to wars, conflicts, persecution and poverty in search of safety and livelihood. The events of recent years that Poland has been experiencing (including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Poland-Belarus border crisis, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the earlier migration crisis of 2015/2016) have led to changes in the pattern of migration, migration policy, as well as law in this regard. Poland is becoming a destination for an increasing number of refugees. Crises have put to the test Poland’s current migration and refugee policy. It has become apparent that the existing institutional and legal solutions are insufficient. In addition, it is not easy to cooperate and present a united front on the European Union forum in the face of potential threats resulting from successive migration waves. The purpose of this article is to present the institutions dealing with international protection of foreigners in Poland, describe their scope of competence, as well as discuss the need for new solutions. An aspect of particular importance is the ability to correctly identify a given situation and needs in order to grant (or refuse) a specific form of protection accordingly.