Border facility enhanced with food service and recreational amenities at the Belarus-Poland frontier.
In a move aimed at enhancing security and managing migration, the Polish authorities announced stricter border control measures at the Belarus-Poland border in July 2024 [1]. This decision comes amidst a complex historical backdrop of political control and ethnic diversity in the region, which has significantly influenced migration and border issues [2].
Since 2021, Poland has been fortifying its border with Belarus, creating restricted zones that have limited access for journalists, NGOs, and humanitarian aid, worsening the plight of migrants caught at the border [3]. In March 2025, Poland passed a law enabling it to temporarily suspend the right to apply for asylum along the Belarusian border, a response to what Poland calls the "instrumentalization of migration" by Belarus under President Lukashenko [3].
Poland views these migration flows from Belarus as politically motivated, linked to Belarusian government efforts and flights increasing migration through Minsk since 2021 [3]. To curb these flows, Poland announced on July 1, 2025, that it will temporarily restore border controls with both Lithuania and Germany starting July 7 [4].
The Belarusian side is taking measures to make waiting at the border more comfortable, while only two checkpoints, "Brest"/"Terespol" and "Kozlovichi"/"Kukuryki", remain operational [1]. However, Minister Sikorski clarified that such measures would not affect the movement of people [1].
In response to Germany's stricter asylum policies since May 2025, which have led to more migrants being returned to Poland, Warsaw is prepared to maintain rigorous border management policies [2]. These actions reflect a strategy to secure borders amid what Poland frames as a deliberate migration crisis engineered by Belarus, while also managing pressures from Germany’s stricter border enforcement [2][3][4].
The terminal in Malaszewicze, a significant land supply route from China, has seen strengthened cargo control [1]. A green rest area equipped with lighting and convenient paths has been established near the Belarusian-Polish border, and work on expanding the waiting area near the checkpoint by more than four times will begin in September [5]. A food truck has also appeared at the "Brest" checkpoint to provide hot food for travelers waiting to enter Poland [5]. After reconstruction, the waiting area will be able to accommodate 500 cars, up from the current capacity of 135 vehicles [5].
This escalating border control situation is part of a broader security and migration management context involving Poland, Belarus, Germany, and Lithuania. As the situation continues to evolve, both sides will need to navigate these complex issues with a focus on maintaining humanitarian concerns and upholding international law.
References: [1] Polish Times, (2024), Poland Strengthens Border Control with Belarus. [2] Reuters, (2025), Poland to Restore Border Controls with Germany, Lithuania. [3] BBC News, (2025), Poland Passes Law to Suspend Asylum Rights at Belarus Border. [4] The Guardian, (2025), Poland to Temporarily Suspend Right to Apply for Asylum at Belarus Border. [5] State Customs Committee, (2025), Work to Expand Waiting Area Near Checkpoint to Begin in September.
In light of the escalating border control situation between Poland, Belarus, Germany, and Lithuania, some have questioned the impact on migrants' lifestyles, as stricter measures limit access and aid at the borders. As travel becomes more challenging due to increased border control measures, there is growing concern about the welfare of migrants caught in this complex issue.
