A spokesman for the Office for Foreigners (UdSC) has announced that in the first quarter of 2023, 1,200 foreigners have been granted international protection status in Poland.
“In the first three months of 2023, 1,200 foreigners met international protection criteria,” UdSC spokesman Jakub Dudziak said, adding that the figure included 650 Belarusian nationals, 350 Ukrainians and 100 Afghans.
In the first three months of 2023, Poland saw a surge in international protection applications. A total of 2,300 requests were made, with the majority coming from Belarusian citizens. This is according to information provided by Dudziak.
Individuals who fear persecution or serious harm due to their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership of a political social group may be granted international protection status if returning to their country of origin poses a danger to them. This status allows these individuals to live in safety in another country.
“In the first three months of 2023, the UdSC issued 2,600 decisions, up by 9 per cent quarter on quarter,” the spokesman said.
“A total of 610 foreigners were denied the status, including 300 Russians, 50 Egyptians and 40 people from Tajikistan,” Dudziak continued, adding that 830 proceedings had been discontinued.
According to Agnieszka Dudziak, a lawyer specializing in immigration law, proceedings are usually discontinued when a foreign individual departs Poland prior to their application being assessed.