Surge in Poland’s Deportation Figures
Poland is expelling foreigners at a record pace, according to Interior Ministry data cited by Interia. In 2025, 10,000 people were deported—more than triple the 3,000 expelled in 2023—and the first half of 2026 alone saw 6,000 deportations. Ukrainians make up the largest cohort, which is not surprising given their dominant presence in Poland. As a frontline EU state with large migrant flows, Poland’s enforcement trends are being watched closely across Europe.
Breaking down the numbers: 4,600 foreigners were deported in the first half of 2025, while the same period in 2026 saw a 30% increase. Deputy Minister of Interior and Administration Maciej Duszczyk said that the most common triggers are a lack of residence permits or overstaying the allowed time in the Schengen zone:
“The usual reasons are missing residence permits or exceeding the permitted stay in the Schengen area.”
Who Is Being Deported and What Happens Next
Besides Ukrainians, the largest groups among the deported include citizens of Georgia, Belarus, Moldova, and Colombia.
Duszczyk also stressed that temporary protection status does not shield anyone accused of criminal activity.
“Temporary protection status is irrelevant when it comes to criminality,”he said, noting that some expulsion decisions target foreigners deemed threats to national defense and security.
Those expelled are banned from re-entering the Schengen zone for periods ranging from six months to ten years. In 2025, Poland introduced the EES system, which registers non-EU citizens arriving for short stays of up to 90 days. Its biometric data collection makes it almost impossible to enter the EU with forged documents.
Deportation remains a standard tool in Poland’s migration policy. The rising numbers—especially among Ukrainians—may indicate shifting migration patterns and tighter controls by Polish authorities. This carries serious consequences for asylum seekers and labor migrants, as well as for Poland’s relations with the countries from which those deported originate.
The recent surge in deportations has raised questions about the accuracy of demographic data concerning the Ukrainian population in Poland. This situation has prompted officials to conduct a thorough audit of these figures. To understand how registry discrepancies are influencing migration policies and the implications for Ukrainians living in Poland, read more about the ongoing review here.