In recent days, after two Belarusian citizens were deported from Sweden, with one of them arrested right at the border, there have been significant discussions about the asylum situation for Belarusians in Sweden. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Chief Advisor, Franak Viacorka, shares what Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office has done in response to the situation.
📎 Consultations are ongoing with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Migration, the Lithuanian Embassy in Sweden, the Lithuanian government, and human rights defenders. Thanks to Dmitri Vasserman and the People’s Embassy in Sweden, we have managed to raise the issue to a high level.
📎 In recent months, the cooperation between the Office with the Swedish side has led to a reassessment of the situation in the country. Belarus is no longer considered a safe country for return. It is now crucial that the Migration Agency acts according to the new guidelines, as it makes decisions independently of the government. The Ministry of Migration has committed to facilitating and cooperating on this matter.
📎 The Office has proposed a moratorium on the deportation of our citizens to Belarus. The Migration Agency has pledged to review recent decisions on Belarusians within months, and we are negotiating to suspend deportations until the reviews are completed.
📎 Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’ Office is now developing guidelines and advice for Belarusians to help prevent similar situations.
