Since 2021 until the end of 2023, Belarusians were the most numerous nationality group among asylum applicants in Poland. In 2025, like 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 2025 was 94%.[2]
For many years prior to 2021, Russian citizens of Chechen origin were the main group applying for international in Poland. In 2025, almost half of Russian applicants submitted a subsequent application (436 persons out of 628 applicants in total). In 2025, 55 persons from Russia were granted refugee status (compared to 119 in 2024) and 30 subsidiary protection (compared to 75 in 2024).[3]
In 2025, there was a decrease in the recognition rate in cases concerning Afghan citizens. In 2024, it was 95%, whereas in 2025 it was 51%.[4]
In 2025 there were 18 applicants from Palestine. In 2025, 7 persons were granted refugee status and 5subsidiary protection, there were no negative decisions on the merit issued.[5]
[1] Office for Foreigners, Report on the situation of Belarusians in Poland, 29 February 2024.
[2] Information provided by the Office for Foreigners, 10 April 2026.
[3] Information provided by the Office for Foreigners, 10 April 2026, 19 February 2025.
[4] Information provided by the Office for Foreigners, 10 April 2026, 19 February 2025.
[5] Information provided by the Office for Foreigners, 10 April 2026.