Sealing Polish borders. We know the details

On Monday (7 July), border controls with Germany and Lithuania are returning. Temporarily - for 30 days. In West Pomerania, it will be possible to cross the border at 19 points - upon presentation of an identity card or passport. "This is not about blocking the border, but about securing it against illegal immigration. We do not want to prevent Polish citizens and tourists, as well as commuters, from crossing the border every day," announces the West Pomeranian Voivode.

The Polish government has decided to temporarily reinstate border controls with Germany and Lithuania. The regulation will come into force on Monday (7 July). Therefore, the Border Guard will also be responsible for random checks of travellers on the West Pomeranian section of the border with Germany.

Crossing the border will only be possible at 19 points, which means closing crossings on popular bicycle routes (e.g. Barnisław, Bobolin, Pargowo, Kołbaskowo commune) and kayaking and navigable routes - the border on the Oder in the area of ​​the Lower Oder Valley Landscape Park. With the exception of the beach connecting Poland and Germany in Świnoujście.

Failure to comply with these recommendations will result in a fine of between 500 and 1,000 PLN. In the case of criminal activities, such as organizing illegal immigration, the penalty is 3 to 8 years of imprisonment.

- The checks will be random. We do not want to make life difficult for residents, or to impede the flow of people and goods. Daily trips abroad to work should take place without major difficulties. We count on your understanding - assured SG Commander Wojciech Heninborch, deputy commander of the Border Guard Maritime Unit. - There are no grounds for this on our part, but if there is a social demand, we will verify the level of illegal immigration, possible transfer points and channels. We do not suspect the German services of smuggling people into Poland. If a given foreigner has a so-called residence title in Poland, appropriate documents, then I cannot imagine how we would not accept such a person into our country.

According to the Border Guard data, on the West Pomeranian section of the border, last year the German side handed over to the Polish side about 800 people who had illegally entered Germany and had legalized their stay in Poland. This year, however, the number was 550. During this time, the Border Guard returned only 12 foreigners to Germany, solely due to errors in the deportation procedure committed by the German side. "There are no cases of pushing foreigners to the side of another country," added Border Guard Commander Wojciech Heninborch.

In sealing the border and conducting random checks, Border Guard officers will cooperate with representatives of other uniformed services: police, military police, territorial defense forces. In total - on the West Pomeranian section of the border - 400 officers per day.

- We will take care of order and safety in the border zone. We will enforce the law. That is, also the law on gatherings - assured Insp. Szymon Sędzik, Provincial Police Commander in Szczecin.

Meanwhile, at several western border crossings, including in our province, groups of self-proclaimed "border defenders" are camping out.

- I hope that the sight of professional security of the border by uniformed services will calm the members of these groups. Let me remind you: everyone has the right to freely express their opinion, but everyone is also bound by the provisions of the Act on Assemblies. No one is allowed to interfere with the activities of the Border Guard, nor to replace this formation. No one other than uniformed services may stop vehicles for inspection - emphasized Voivode Adam Rudawski. - To ensure security on the border, we need professional control by the services, not fans. ©℗

A. NALEWAJKO