Polish officials report a near 96 percent drop in illegal crossings since 2022, citing fences, buffer zones and technology upgrades as decisive factors.
Since 2022, Poland has recorded a significant drop in illegal migration from Belarus: according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the number of border crossings has fallen by about 96%.
“Zero tolerance for illegal migration. The government’s decisive policy, record investments in border security, and the border guard service have led to a reduction in the number of migrants at the Belarus border by almost 96%,”
– as stated in the report
– Ministry of the Interior of Poland
Context and key figures on the reduction of migration flows
According to official data, in the first quarter of 2022 there were 3,306 attempts to illegally cross the border, whereas in the first quarter of 2026 there were only 158.
The agency adds that a significant part of the reduction was also due to the temporary suspension of asylum grants, which migrants had previously exploited.
The government continues to invest in protecting the border with Belarus and supports temporary border control on sections with Germany and Lithuania.
In 2022 Poland installed a barrier along the border with Belarus, 5.5 meters high and about 186 kilometers long, and also introduced a modern electronic monitoring system.
Since June 2024 a buffer zone about 80 kilometers long has been in place along the border with Belarus.
According to official sources, the plan for the future is to continue measures to strengthen the eastern borders under the “Eastern Shield” program, focusing on fortifications, detection and alert systems, developed bases and logistics hubs, and countering drones, with expected implementation by 2028.
In summary, the comprehensive set of border security and control measures effectively reduces migration flows and increases security on the eastern frontiers.