Warsaw’s Office for Foreigners (UdSC) will see a rare weekend demonstration on Saturday, 26 September, as Belarusian migrants rally against what they say is an unprecedented spike in negative asylum decisions. Organisers from the grassroots group ‘Akcje Białorusinów Warszawy’ told media on 24 September that refusals have jumped from 4–5 % in early 2026 to 13 % in July, citing UdSC statistics. The protest slogan—‘When did Belarus become safe?’—points to activists’ core argument: that Poland’s authorities are prematurely treating Belarus as a non-risk country despite 889 recognised political prisoners and ongoing repression in Minsk. Demonstrators will gather outside UdSC’s Taborowa 33 office between 12:00 and 15:00, coinciding with the agency’s monthly ‘information Saturday’, when foreigners can file applications and collect residence cards. Rising refusal rates are already complicating corporate relocation programmes. Polish employers in IT and manufacturing have recruited thousands of Belarusian specialists since 2020; a higher rejection ratio could mean longer onboarding timelines and the need for alternative permits such as EU Blue Cards. Immigration lawyers advise that asylum seekers whose first-instance claim is denied still have 14 days to appeal to the Refugee Board (Rada do Spraw Uchodźców) and may remain in Poland during the review. Companies sponsoring work permits should clarify to candidates that an asylum refusal does not automatically bar employment, provided they hold another valid basis for stay. Practical implication: expect longer queues at UdSC this weekend and possible media presence—staff should carry power-of-attorney letters if submitting packets on behalf of employees.
Source: MOST Media
