The stance of the Migration Consortium on the government’s migration strategy
On October 15, the Council of Ministers adopted the document “Regaining control. Ensuring security. A comprehensive and responsible migration strategy for Poland for 2025–2030”. Although this strategy was long-awaited and its creation was a necessary step, it raises our serious concerns.
The document, which is supposed to regulate issues related to migration policy, is so general that it is difficult to treat it as a response to the real challenges of today’s reality that our country is facing. It lacks specific solutions, as well as a vision of where Poland should be in a few years. The voices of social organizations with expert knowledge in the area of migration were not taken into account in the process of its formation, despite the fact that the document itself declares how important a role they play, especially in the context of the integration of migrants.
The most disturbing fact, however, is that some of the provisions presented are in conflict with international standards, and above all – with human rights.
As the Migration Consortium, we present our position on the government strategy in 10 concise and clear points:
1. Failure to include the expert voice of civil society
One of the most disturbing aspects of the government’s migration strategy is the lack of consideration for the voice of social organizations in the process of its creation. Despite earlier announcements of social consultations, the strategy was developed without the real participation of entities that have direct experience in working with migrants. This approach ignores the valuable input and knowledge of these organizations and undermines the principles of transparency and social participation that should be the basis of such important documents. Even the conclusions from the study “Polish Migration Policy in the Opinions of Institutional Actors” prepared by the Committee for Migration Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences on behalf of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration have not been taken into account.
2. Limiting the role of social organizations
The strategy excludes social organizations from participation in migration policy, limiting their role in principle solely to integration activities. This is a glaring lack of understanding of the complexity of migration processes and the potential of organizations that play a key role in activities on behalf of migrants, not only through integration, but also by supporting the protection of human rights, counteracting discrimination and acting at the international level.
3. Instruments for temporary suspension of the right to international protection
The strategy assumes the possibility of temporary and territorial suspension of the right to submit applications for international protection (referred to in media discussions as the right to asylum). This issue became the subject of criticism already when Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced such an idea. Such actions directly violate the right to international protection, which is a fundamental human right, provided for in the provisions of the Geneva Convention and other international documents, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. Limiting access to international protection may lead to a situation in which people fleeing persecution are deprived of protection and assistance, which may violate their right to life, health and safety.
Although the strategy mentions the protection of vulnerable groups, it does not offer specific mechanisms in this regard. The introduction of instruments for temporary suspension of the right to international protection may particularly affect people belonging to such groups.
4. Externalization system of migration policy
The government announces the signing of agreements on returning migrants to countries of transit and origin, which may lead to the deportation of people without taking into account their individual situation and the threats they may face upon return. Such actions violate the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning people to countries where they are at risk of persecution and danger. The strategy lacks mechanisms to ensure compliance with international human rights protection standards when implementing these returns.
5. Lack of protection against abuse and exploitation
The strategy does not provide for adequate mechanisms to protect migrants from exploitation and abuse, especially in the context of the labour market. Poland is already struggling with cases of working in indecent conditions, and the lack of effective regulations and supervision over the employment of migrants may lead to further violations of their labour rights. Migrants who are exposed to exploitation are not guaranteed protection in the strategy, which violates their dignity, safety and labour rights. The strategy also fails to address crimes motivated by prejudice and hate speech, which is also a significant problem in Poland.
6. Risk of incorporating discriminatory or racist procedures
The strategy introduces worrying mechanisms that could lead to discrimination based on origin. The government assumes the introduction of a “selective” approach to visa policy and consideration of the “integration possibilities” of migrants when deciding on their admission to Poland. These criteria are unclear and risk racist decisions that favor some nationalities at the expense of others. Such an approach violates international standards regarding equal treatment of all people regardless of their origin and religion.
7. Assimilation instead of integration
The strategy presents the integration process as a two-way street, but de facto speaks of assimilation, assuming that only migrants are obliged to adapt to the social norms and rules in force in Poland. The only thing required from the receiving society is education in counteracting xenophobia and racism. This approach violates the right of migrants to maintain their own cultural identity and is contrary to the idea of equal rights and respect for diversity.
8. The fear-based approach
It is clear that the strategy is based on a narrative of fear, focusing mainly on the threats associated with migration and marginalizing the positive contribution of migrants to Poland’s socio-economic development. Not only does the strategy fail to take into account the need for public education about the benefits of migration, but it also reinforces the belief that migrants are a problem that needs to be “controlled” and “limited”. Instead of offering constructive solutions for the future, the government is trying to create the illusion of full control over migration processes. Such a strategy does not respond to real needs and challenges.
9. The issue of Foreigner Integration Centres
The strategy assumes an evaluation of the functioning of Foreigner Integration Centres (CIC), which are to play a key role in the process of migrant integration. Unfortunately, the document clearly indicates that these centers will be mainly aimed at people from Ukraine and Belarus, which will lead to the risk of excluding representatives of other nationalities that are also present in Poland.
10. Education and support for migrant children
A positive element of the strategy is the announcement of the development of a program of intercultural assistants in schools and the provision of support for migrant children in the education process. However, we would like to point out that this support must be carefully considered and adapted to real needs, including ensuring language education at an appropriate level.
As the Migration Consortium, we have prepared a non-governmental proposal for a migration strategy for Poland several years ago, which in our opinion reconciles the interests of state security with the security needs of people who come to Poland. It takes into account the perspective of human rights, long-term challenges for Poland and the social interest of our country. In our opinion, the slogan “security” cannot be an excuse for unlawful actions.
We hope that in the next stages of creating migration policies, the government will take into account the voices of experts in order to create solutions consistent with international standards and the migration realities in Poland.
