Since 2021 until the end of 2023, Belarusians were the most numerous nationality group among asylum applicants in Poland. In 2024, they were second biggest, since more Ukrainians applied for international protection (on Ukrainians – see more in the Annex on temporary protection to the report. Poland registers around 72% of all applications for international protection submitted by Belarusians in Europe.[1] Few cases are considered negative or discontinued, which is why the refugee rate in 2024 was 94%.[2]
For many years prior to 2021, Russian citizens of Chechen origin were the main group applying for international in Poland. In 2024, almost half of Russian applicants submitted a subsequent application (465 persons out of 985 applicants in total). In 2024 119 persons from Russia were granted refugee status (compared to 113 in 2023) and 75 subsidiary protection (compared to 79 in 2023).
In 2024 there were 21 applicants from Palestine. In 2024 5 persons were granted refugee status and 4 subsidiary protection , there were no negative decisions on the merit issued.[3]
[1] Office for Foreigners, Report on the situation of Belarusians in Poland, 29 February 2024.
[2] Information provided by the Office for Foreigners, 19 February 2024.
[3] Information provided by the Office for Foreigners, 19 February 2024.