Polish PM demands support for stricter visa and asylum laws after deadly attack in Germany
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Friday pressed President Andrzej Duda and the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party to endorse a government proposal toughening Poland’s visa and asylum regulations.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.PAP/Marcin Obara
His call follows Friday’s fatal car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.
“After the attack in Magdeburg, I expect a clear statement today from President Duda and PiS in support of the government package tightening visa and asylum laws,” Tusk wrote on social media platform X. “Poland is finally restoring control over borders and migration after years of chaos and corruption, so at least don’t stand in the way.”
Deadly attack in Magdeburg
In a Friday attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, a car plowed into a crowd. German daily Bild reported on Saturday that four people were killed and 41 seriously injured, with a total of 86 hospitalized. Authorities detained the suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian national, Taleb Al Abdul Mohsen, and are treating the incident as an act of terror. Mohsen is reportedly a critic of Islam and AfD supporter.
Stricter Polish visa regulations
On Wednesday, the Polish government approved a draft bill aimed at closing loopholes in the country’s visa system. The measure, which now goes to parliament, includes tighter rules for foreign students—mandating official recognition of their prior education and proof of language proficiency or successful entrance exams.
The bill also stipulates stricter conditions for work permits, authorizing governors or local administrators to refuse permits where evidence suggests an application was submitted under false pretenses. The objective is to prevent abuses where foreigners might seek a permit for non-employment purposes.
The proposed legislation underscores the government’s broader push to enhance border control following multiple controversies over Poland’s immigration policies, which Tusk says were plagued by corruption and lack of oversight. If passed, the measure would be a key plank in the administration’s strategy to tighten the entry of foreign nationals.
(jh)
Source: PAP, BBC, DW
