Kristina Rikhter, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Legal Affairs, commented:
“Since January 2022, the working group of democratic forces and the Polish Ministry of Interior have been working on simplifying the legalization of stay for Belarusians. Tangible results have been achieved as a result of our systematic work with Polish partners. From July 2023, Belarusians in Poland will be able to obtain travel documents through a simplified procedure.
- What exactly is changing from July 2023?
– Foreigner’s travel document will be issued not only to Belarusians with permanent residency but also to those with a temporary residence permit in Poland.
– Additional evidence of inability to obtain a Belarusian passport through the standard procedure will no longer be required to obtain a travel document.
– Belarusians will now be able to obtain a travel document even if they have not had a Belarusian passport before. For example, this will apply to children born to Belarusian parents on Polish territory.
– From July 2023, travel documents for Belarusians will be produced and issued free of charge”.
The Center for Belarusian Solidarity explained the new procedure in detail.
