Concerns Raised Over Deportation of Afghan Asylum Seekers from Poland Without Clear Protection Guarantees

Concerns Raised Over Deportation of Afghan Asylum Seekers from Poland Without Clear Protection Guarantees
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Reports indicate that some Afghan asylum seekers removed from Poland were returned to Afghanistan without publicly disclosed guarantees regarding their safety after arrival, raising concerns among rights groups over the conditions surrounding forced returns.

According to Afghan media outlet 8am, the Polish Border Guard reviews deportation cases individually and maintains only technical-level communication with representatives of the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan to coordinate the transfer process.

The report said the absence of clear protection mechanisms has created uncertainty over the security situation facing returnees, particularly given ongoing concerns about human rights conditions and restrictions in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

Polish authorities have stated that deportation procedures are carried out according to national and European regulations, including assessments of individuals’ legal status and circumstances. However, international organizations, including the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), have repeatedly called on governments to ensure that returns comply with international refugee law and that individuals are not sent to places where they may face serious risks.

Afghan nationals remain one of the largest groups seeking international protection in Europe, with many citing conflict, economic hardship and security concerns as reasons for leaving Afghanistan. The debate over deportations continues amid broader European efforts to manage irregular migration while balancing border enforcement with humanitarian obligations.