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Poland prepares for largest deportation wave since 1989, says deputy minister

02.03.2025 09:30
Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk said on Saturday that Poland is on track to carry out its largest deportation operation since the fall of communism in 1989.
A 19-year-old showing his middle finger on a speed camera photo. The young man is now facing deportation for repeated traffic offenses
A 19-year-old showing his middle finger on a speed camera photo. The young man is now facing deportation for repeated traffic offensesPhoto: KMP Poznań

“I can confirm it will be one of the biggest scales of deportation from Poland since 1989,” Duszczyk told broadcaster TVN24.

He declined to disclose exact figures but noted the deportees would include members of criminal groups, such as individuals implicated in drug and arms smuggling.

“We examined these cases individually and reached agreements with various countries willing to accept them,” Duszczyk said, adding that prosecutors must prove the suspects’ offenses under Polish law.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Thursday that the first deportations will take place in early March, targeting foreign nationals convicted of crimes in Poland.

According to government data, foreigners are suspected of about 5 percent of all crimes committed in 2024, while nearly 2,616 non‑Polish nationals have faced charges so far in 2025.

Last year, almost 8,000 people were expelled from Poland, authorities said.

Separately, police in Poznań on Friday arrested a 19‑year‑old Ukrainian man for repeated speeding offenses, including instances captured by speed cameras where he showed an obscene gesture.

He now faces a fine of up to PLN 30,000 (about USD 7,400) and deportation.

(jh)

Source: PAP, TVN24