Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, has confirmed a new information campaign targeting irregular migration, aimed at discouraging people from trying to cross the country’s eastern border illegally. The announcement comes amid a year-long migration crisis along the Poland-Belarus border that has seen thousands attempt entry into the EU via Poland. In a video released on Friday, March 4, Tusk declared: “Our message will be simple: the Polish border is sealed. Don’t believe the smugglers. Don’t believe [Belarusian President Alexander] Lukashenko, don’t believe [Russian President Vladimir] Putin. They lie to you when they say that this is the way into Europe.” (Cited by Notes from Poland). As part of the campaign, Poland will launch a targeted outreach in seven countries where most irregular migrants originate. While Tusk did not name them directly, data from the Polish Border Guard suggests they are Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Syria, Sudan, Yemen and Afghanistan. Poland’s tougher laws on asylum The campaign follows the passing of a new law last month that allows Poland to suspend the right to claim asylum at the Belarus border. As Tusk put it: “You won’t apply for asylum here anymore.” He added that “thousands of soldiers, border guards and policemen, cameras and drones, guard every metre of it 24 hours a day,” cited by Notes from Poland. Tusk reinforced this message by showing video footage of a group of migrants being apprehended by border officers after attempting to cross the frontier. “But above all, you won’t cross the Polish border illegally,” he stated in the clip. Since late 2021, the Poland-Belarus border has been a key entry point for migrants. Both Warsaw and Brussels accuse President Lukashenko of orchestrating the crisis in coordination with Moscow to destabilise the EU. Human rights concerns over Poland’s deterring irregular migration campaign The Polish government’s response has faced serious criticism. Human rights organisations have condemned “pushback” tactics – where migrants are returned to Belarus without being given the opportunity to claim asylum – calling them illegal under international law, as reported by The Brussels Times. Dozens of migrants have reportedly died in the border region since the crisis began. In one instance, a Polish soldier was fatally stabbed by a migrant while on duty. Both the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government and Tusk’s current coalition have continued to strengthen border defences. This includes the construction of a large steel barrier along parts of the Belarus and Kaliningrad frontiers, the creation of temporary exclusion zones, and expanded powers for border authorities. The debate on irregular migration While many support Poland’s tough stance on border security, others argue the EU must find a better balance between national sovereignty and humanitarian obligations. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. View all news from Poland.