Polish MPs approve bill to suspend asylum rights at border

Poland's lower house of parliament has passed a controversial bill that allows the government to suspend the right to seek asylum for up to 60 days along certain sections of its border with Belarus, receiving broad support from both ruling and opposition parties. This legislation, aimed at addressing what the Polish government describes as the 'instrumentalisation of migration' by Belarus and Russia, has sparked significant criticism from human rights organizations and the United Nations, which argue it violates international and EU laws, including the principle of non-refoulement. Human Rights Watch has urged the Polish parliament to reject the bill, highlighting concerns over potential abuses and inhumane conditions for migrants subjected to pushbacks. The bill, which could be renewed indefinitely, is now set to pass to the Senate and then to President Duda for final approval. Supporters of the legislation maintain it is necessary to manage migration effectively, while critics warn it could formalize unlawful practices at the border. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has emphasized the need for stricter migration controls in response to increased asylum claims in recent years.