“ZhS Premium” took pleasure in reporting that "zmahary" will no longer be granted asylum in Poland, but failed to consider the nuances

Poland has restricted foreigners from applying for asylum at its border with Belarus for 60 days. The decision took effect on March 27, 2025. The reason for the decision is the ongoing migration crisis, which has now lasted for four years.

In recent months, the situation has worsened: in March, the Podlaski Border Guard recorded over 2,800 attempts to illegally cross the border. Authorities fear that the number of border crossings will increase ahead of the presidential elections in Poland this May.

Commenting on this news on March 26, 2025, the authors of the “ZhS Premium” Telegram channel wrote that the ban would also affect Belarusians seeking asylum in Poland.

"Well, that’s it. Polish President Andrzej Duda signed a law restricting the right to asylum at the border with Belarus. Now, any migrant who crosses the border and begins talking about seeking asylum will be given the cold shoulder. The measure was intended for Middle Eastern refugees, but it will also affect the 'zmahary.' (a derogatory mocking term for political opposition in Belarus–translator's note) After all, they won’t be able to claim refuge in Poland either."

The Polish authorities' decision doesn’t apply to all migrants — there are exceptions. Pregnant women and children, people in need of special care due to age or health issues, “those facing real danger in the country they fled,” “citizens of countries using migrants as a tool of pressure,” and a few others will still be able to apply for asylum. Belarusian citizens fall into these categories.

Belarusian lawyers familiar with the Polish government’s ruling have confirmed this.

The exceptions apply only if no force or weapons had to be used against the asylum seeker when attempting to cross the border.