An Associated Press investigation published on 14 April highlights mounting fears among Afghan migrants held in Polish detention centres. Activists say hundreds could be deported to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan because Poland has partially suspended the right to claim asylum at its land border with Belarus. The restrictions, introduced in March 2025 and officially deemed “temporary”, allow border officials to deny applications from people who cross irregularly. NGOs argue that guards now reject claims almost automatically, leaving applicants in prolonged detention with limited legal remedy. Poland’s Interior Ministry maintains that the measure is necessary to curb “instrumentalised migration” allegedly orchestrated by Minsk. Yet cases cited by AP include individuals whose family members were killed by the Taliban and who face persecution if returned. Under EU law, collective expulsions to unsafe countries are prohibited; Warsaw insists deportations will follow individual assessments, but observers doubt the capacity for thorough review. For employers the situation adds complexity when hiring refugees or issuing humanitarian-based work permits. Companies sponsoring Afghan talent may need to provide stronger evidence of employment to prevent removal orders. Mobility advisers further recommend crisis-management plans should employees be detained during routine checks near the eastern border.
Source: Associated Press
