In recent months, Germany has intensified efforts to return migrants to Poland, particularly those who, under the Dublin Regulation, should have their asylum applications processed in Poland. This development has sparked discussions regarding the effectiveness of Poland’s migration policies under Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s administration.
On February 17, 2025, German authorities announced the establishment of a dedicated center in Eisenhüttenstadt, near the Polish border, aimed at expediting the return of migrants to Poland. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the necessity of swiftly returning individuals who should undergo asylum procedures in another EU country, stating that such migrants would be deprived of financial benefits to deter re-entry into Germany. The goal is to ensure that the return process to Poland does not exceed two weeks.
This approach aligns with the Dublin Regulation, which mandates that asylum applications be processed in the first EU country of entry. Consequently, migrants entering the EU through Poland are expected to seek asylum there. However, many continue their journey to Germany, leading German authorities to enforce returns to Poland. Between October 2023 and July 2024, German police reportedly returned approximately 4,600 individuals to Poland.
Critics argue that the increase in migrant returns to Poland highlights shortcomings in the country’s migration policies under Prime Minister Tusk. In October 2024, the Tusk administration introduced a migration strategy titled „Regain Control. Ensure Security,” proposing measures such as the temporary suspension of the right to asylum in regions bordering Belarus. This proposal aims to address security concerns and prevent the misuse of asylum rights by individuals allegedly facilitated by Belarusian and Russian authorities.
Additionally, the strategy includes stricter criteria for labor market access, mandatory integration programs, and citizenship tests for immigrants. The plan also emphasizes encouraging the return of Polish citizens who have emigrated. While the government asserts that these measures are necessary for national security, some critics contend that they may infringe upon international law and Poland’s constitution.
The increased return of migrants from Germany to Poland has intensified debates about the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of Poland’s current migration policies. As the situation evolves, it remains crucial to balance national security concerns with adherence to international obligations and the protection of human rights.
