Problematic issues of legalization of Belarusians in Poland — the main topic of Pavel Latushka’s meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland
- May 28
- 3 min read
During the meeting at the Polish MFA, the Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka, presented information about the activities of the UTC and the NAM regarding holding Lukashenko and his accomplices accountable for crimes against humanity committed against the Belarusian people, as well as prospects for further advancing this issue within the structures of the International Criminal Court.
The meeting, held on May 27 at the Polish MFA, was attended by Adam Hałaciński, Special Representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland for Cooperation with Belarusian Democratic Forces; representatives and heads of the Consular Department, the Treaty and Legal Department, the Development Department of the Polish MFA, and the Office for Foreigners of Poland.
Issues discussed included the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to Belarus and their indoctrination; Lithuania’s submission of a claim against Belarus to the International Court of Justice regarding violations of international obligations in connection with the organization of illegal migrant transfers across the common border.
A representative of the Treaty and Legal Department of the Polish MFA noted that the Polish side shares the arguments used by Lithuania in its appeal to the International Court of Justice. The Polish side is analyzing the situation with the aim of making possible decisions on legal actions within the judicial sphere.
Pavel Latushka thanked the Polish side for their support on issues of legalization for Belarusians forced to leave Belarus. At the same time, he presented a number of problematic issues related to the status of Belarusians in Poland, including:
applying individual consideration of Belarusian citizens’ requests concerning family reunification and non-application of the Dublin Regulation provisions in order to ensure the possibility of family reunification and subsequent residence in Poland;
opening bank accounts in Polish banks for former political prisoners who have come to Poland;
replacement and issuance of driver’s licenses to Belarusian citizens;
pension provision for Belarusian citizens residing in Poland;
assistance to Belarusians located in Georgia in obtaining visas for entry into Poland; and others.
The Polish MFA assured its readiness to send an appeal to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority requesting to regulate the situation related to opening bank accounts for former political prisoners.
A representative of the Office for Foreigners of Poland promised to review the submitted materials concerning specific Belarusians in the context of the non-application of the Dublin Regulation provisions when considering the issue of granting residence rights in Poland.
Regarding the situation of Belarusians in Georgia, a representative of the Consular Department of the Polish MFA expressed readiness to consider requests from Belarusians with specific problematic issues on an individual basis.
Pavel Latushka informed about an agreement with the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy of Poland concerning the organization of a meeting in Warsaw with Belarusians residing in Poland. It is planned that during the meeting representatives of the Ministry and the Pension Office will explain the procedure for obtaining pensions in Poland. An informational brochure in Belarusian with explanations of Polish pension legislation is also planned to be issued.
Pavel Latushka stressed the importance of continuing support for independent Belarusian media, human rights organizations, and cultural initiatives, especially in light of the cessation of financial aid from the United States.
The Polish side confirmed its readiness to continue and increase support for Belarusian NGOs, civil initiatives, and civil society structures operating in Poland. Relevant decisions are expected to be announced in the near future.
The meeting was attended by the speaker of the Coordination Council, Artsiom Brukhan, who presented information about the elections of the speaker and deputy speaker of the Coordination Council as well as plans for further activities of the representative body of Belarusian democratic forces.
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