Mass Increase in Applications for International Protection by Ukrainians Recorded in Poland.

The number of Ukrainians applying for international protection in Poland has significantly increased in 2024. In the first nine months, over 12,000 applications were submitted, which is 80% more than in the previous year. The most applications were submitted by citizens of Ukraine (4,500), Belarusians (2,900), and Russians (800). Citizens of Somalia and Eritrea also frequently applied. Most of them are young people aged 18 to 34, predominantly men. International protection is granted to those who face persecution or a genuine risk of losing their life or health in their country of origin. The Department for Foreigners issued 4,800 positive decisions on granting international protection in Poland, the most being received by citizens of Ukraine and Belarus. Protection was also denied to 1,200 foreigners, including Russians and Belarusians. Before a decision was made, the consideration of 2,400 applications was discontinued, mainly concerning citizens of Russia, Syria, and Somalia. More than 2,600 applications were submitted at the Polish-Belarusian border, especially by citizens of Eritrea, Somalia, and Ethiopia.