Foreigners’ Rights in The Age of Pandemics – Migration Aspects

The 20th century, in particular its second half, was referred to as the age of migration. Everyone has got used to this condition – common and frequent movement for work, family visits, sightseeing, seeking protection, willingness to change in life. Poland has also evolved into a place of migrant destination, mainly employee migration. The subject of the analysis is the rights of migrants, especially foreigners, considered in the light of the current state of the pandemic associated with the occurrence of the SARS CoV-2 virus. As a result of the spread of the virus, legal solutions affecting the legal position of individuals were adopted. All over the world, the many restrictions and injunctions include: ban on leaving the house, movement restrictions, restrictions on crossing borders, bans on doing business, restrictions on the practice of certain aspects of religion, suspension of air connections, curfew, assembly bans, order to cover the mouth and nose in public space, the obligation to quarantine, no entry to cemeteries or forests and the obligations to install and use tracking applications.

Owing to the fact that we currently live in a global society, problems from other countries are relevant to countries from another continent. The importance of the problem is symbolized by the judgements of the highest courts, which repealed the introduced restrictions. Such an example is the intervention of the Supreme Court of India in relation to the respect for the rights of internal migrants

‘India must follow Supreme Court Orders to Protect 100 Million Migrant Workers: UN Rights Experts’ (4 June 2020) <https://news.un.org/en/story/2020/06/1065662> accessed 21 August 2020; Chitranjali Negi, ‘Human Rights Violations of Migrants Workers in India During COVID-19 Pandemic’ (17 June 2020). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3629773 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3629773; https://www.ihrb.org/focus-areas/migrant-workers/video-covid19-internal-migrants-India, accessed 26 August 2020; Geeta Pandey, ‘Coronavirus in India: Desperate Migrant Workers Trapped in Lockdown’ 22 April 2020 <https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52360757> accessed 20 June 2020.

The epidemic situation showed that the state has instruments that can significantly affect people's lives. Among many rights and freedoms, such as freedom of movement and freedom of assembly, or freedom to manifest one's religion in public by worshipping, praying, participating in rituals, practicing and teaching were limited. In addition, the possibility of crossing borders was limited. Above all, the restriction of freedom of movement and the possibility of crossing borders also had a great impact into the status of individuals. The current situation has taken a toll on all migrants, in particular, foreigners. For the purposes of this article, it is assumed that a migrant is any person who changes their place of stay, either temporarily or permanently, regardless of the legal status of the stay. However, the scope of considerations applies only to foreigners within the meaning of the Act on foreigners from 2013

Consolidated Text, ‘Journal of Laws of 2020’ item 35, as amended.

Migration is a process that is inherent in human nature; only its scale has changed throughout history. This ‘phenomenon must be attentively analyzed in a complex civilization context’

Vasile Bogdan, ‘Human Rights and Migration‘ (2017) 2 Cross-Border Journal for International Studies 3, 44.

Migration processes have been halted on an unprecedented scale in most recent history. For the sake of health and life protection, solutions have been adopted, which have worsened the legal position of foreigners. The proposed article is aimed at assessing the solutions adopted and aspires to answer the question whether the new restrictions are proportionate, necessary and whether they comply with the Constitution and legal acts classified as sources of human rights. The major task of the article is to investigate the relationship between fundamental rights and freedoms and legal provisions that have been introduced in Poland. Hence, the main thesis of this article is that legal regulations adopted in the first wave of the spread of the virus disproportionately limited the rights and freedoms of migrants, mainly freedom of movement. The author of the study primarily uses the formal dogmatic method, consisting in recalling and analysing of Polish law to present specific conclusions in the final phase.

A migrant is a person who changes their place of residence, temporarily or permanently, under duress or without pressure. The migration process may extend beyond the territory of the country or concern internal movements. Taking into account the rights of migrants, it is highly recommended to focus on the situation of people who, according to national law, are its citizens or do not have the citizenship of a given country (foreigners).

Primarily, it should be noted that the rights of migrants are related to human rights. According to international human rights norms, which are based on the inherent dignity of every person, migrants enjoy the fundamental rights afforded to all persons regardless of their legal status in a state. Human rights are universal, which means that they belong to everyone, not only to citizens

Witold Osiatyński, ‘Prawa człowieka i ich granice’ (Społeczny Instytut Wydawniczy Znak 2011) 59.

However, between all human rights, several of them are closely linked to migrants

Massimo Frigo and Róisín Pillay (eds), ‘Migration and International Human Rights Law A Practitioners’ Guide’ (Updated Edition International Commission of Jurists 2014) 37.

The modern system of human rights protection is based on many legal acts of universal (UN system) and regional (including the Council of Europe, European Union) and also on the functioning of national sources. The rights of migrants can be easily distinguished in such acts as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Convention and protocol relating to the Status of Refugees the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms

See also additional protocols No. 4 (right to freedom of movement, prohibition of collective expulsion of foreigners), No. 7 (procedural guarantees in the expulsion of foreigners, No. 12 (general prohibition of discrimination).

Constitutions of various countries contain provisions that constitute the source of human rights. The Constitution of the Republic of Poland does not explicitly mention the rights of migrants, but focuses on the rights of foreigners. If we take a closer look on its provisions, the two most important articles are an introduction to our considerations. According to Article 30, [t]he inherent and inalienable dignity of the person shall constitute a source of freedoms and rights of persons and citizens. It shall be inviolable. The respect and protection thereof shall be the obligation of public authorities. Secondly, anyone, being under the authority of the Polish State, shall enjoy the freedoms and rights ensured by the Constitution (art. 37 para. 1). It is emphasized in Polish literature that this provision is the source of the principle of universality of the exercise of rights and freedoms guaranteed in the constitution

Leszek Garlicki and Marek Zubik, ‘Artykuł 37’ in L Garlicki and M Zubik (eds), Konstytucja Rzeczpospolitej Polskiej. Komentarz II (Second publish Wydawnictwo Sejmowe 2016) 186; Jacek Chlebny, Wojciech Chróścielewski, Paweł Dańczak, Paweł Dąbrowski, Agnieszka Liszewska and Rafał Rogala, Prawo o cudzoziemcach: komentarz (Wydawnictwo CH Beck 2020) 15.

Exemptions from the principle of universality with respect to foreigners shall be specified by statute (art. 37 para. 2). Therefore, every right and freedom included in the constitution is also granted to foreigners, unless the law provides otherwise. Article 37 para. 2 must be interpreted in accordance with art. 31 para. 3 of the Constitution. A foreigner is entitled to common and fundamental rights of every human being based on such values as dignity, freedom and equality

Magdalena Kumela-Romańska, Administracyjnoprawny status cudzoziemca w Polsce (Wolters Kluwer 2017) 106.

On the territory of the host country, a foreigner should always be treated according to a certain standard (ordinary, privileged, special) and human rights should always be respected. Unlawful actions can lead to state liability

Jan Białocerkiewicz, ‘Status prawny cudzoziemca w świetle standardów międzynarodowych’ 70.

A significant part of constitutional rights and freedoms may be restricted. It should be added that: ‘Any limitation upon the exercise of constitutional freedoms and rights may be imposed only by statute, and only when necessary in a democratic state for the protection of its security or public order, or to protect the natural environment, health or public morals, or the freedoms and rights of other persons. Such limitations shall not violate the essence of freedoms and rights’ (art. 31 para. 3). This article sets the limits for interference by public administration

Leszek Garlicki and Krzysztof Wojtyszek, ‘Artykuł 31’ in L Garlicki and M Zubik (eds), Konstytucja Rzeczpospolitej Polskiej. Komentarz II (Wydawnictwo Sejmowe 2016) 55–71.

It should be noted that, in general, human rights can also be restricted. The exception in this respect is ineligible rights. For example, according to art. 15 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms: In time of war or other public emergency threatening the life of the nation, any high contracting party may take measures derogating from its obligations under this Convention to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation, provided that such measures are not inconsistent with its other obligations under international law. The legality of the repeal of rights is determined by material and formal reasons

Leszek Garlicki in L Garlicki, P Hofmański and A Wróbel (eds), Konwencja o Ochronie Praw Człowieka i Podstawowych Wolności. Komentarz do artykułów 1–18 (Wydawnictwo CH Beck, Warszawa 2010) 795–808.

The concept of human rights assumed that an individual needed protection from state power

Tadeusz Jasudowicz, Administracja wobec praw człowieka (Dom Organizatora TNOiK 1996); Ferdinado Parente, Bronisław Sitek, Iwona Florek, Human rights in the functioning of public administration = Prawa człowieka w funkcjonowaniu administracji publicznej; (Wyższa Szkoła Gospodarki Euroregionalnej w Józefowie 2018).

The first reactions corresponding to the spread of the virus could be observed already in early March 2020. The regulation of 27 February 2020 of the Minister of Health announced that the SARS-CoV-2 corona virus infection was covered by the regulations on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans

Regulation of the Minister of Health of 27 February 2020 on the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 325).

First of all, a few air connections were suspended, international border controls were reintroduced, and some mass events were cancelled. Some local governments and universities took action even before the national government recommendations. Pursuant to article 46 Act of 5 December 2008 on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans, the state of epidemic threat or state of epidemic is announced and cancelled by the minister competent for health matters in consultation with the minister competent for public administration, at the request of the chief sanitary inspector

Act of 5 December 2008 on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans (Consolidated text, Journal of Laws of 2019, item 1239, as amended).

The content of the regulation specifying limitations, orders and bans in connection with the outbreak of the epidemic has undergone numerous changes. The biggest restrictions were imposed around Easter. Among the orders and bans were: –

the movement of passengers in rail transport with crossing the border of the Republic of Poland was suspended;

Pursuant to § 13, until further notice, the performance of tasks by a public administration office or organizational entities performing tasks of a public nature may be limited to: 1)

only tasks necessary to provide assistance to citizens;

In fact, offices had been kept separate from contact with applicants.

An important topic for this discussion was the temporary suspension or limitation of border traffic at certain border crossing points, both external to the EU and with other EU member states. According to the regulation of the Minister of the Interior and Administration, from 13 March 2020 on the temporary suspension or restriction of border traffic at certain border crossing points, entry restrictions to Poland

Regulation of the Minister of the Interior and Administration of 13 March 2020 on the temporary suspension or restriction of border traffic at certain border crossing points, entry restrictions to Poland (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 435).

Additionally, the prohibition of landing aircraft carrying civilian passengers in international traffic had a significant impact on the situation of migrants

Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 13 March 2020 on air traffic bans (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 436, as amended).

On 8 March 2020, the law on special solutions related to the corona virus entered into force (Further: COVID Act)

Act of 2 March 2020 on special solutions related to the prevention, prevention and combating of COVID-19, other infectious diseases and the crisis situations caused by them (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 374, as amended).

The above legal regulation, apart from regulating the matters of every entity located on the territory of Poland, contained solutions dedicated only to aliens.

There are a number of regulations during the epidemic that, in the context of this discussion, are assessed positively: –

extension of the deadline for submitting applications for granting residence permits (art. 15z);

The COVID Act also contains exceptions to the foreigner's obligation to have a work permit and the obligation to extend a work permit and a seasonal work permit (art. 15z⁷), extends the deadline for providing social assistance and medical care referred to in the Act on granting protection to foreigners in Poland (art. 15z⁸).. The law also allows the citizens of the following countries: Republic of Armenia, Republic of Belarus; the Republic of Georgia, the Republic of Moldova; the Russian Federation and Ukraine – to apply for a national visa in the territory of this state, without having to submit the documents referred to in the Act from 12 December 2013 on foreigners in person (art. 15z⁹). Unfortunately, foreigners from other countries still have to apply personally.

The foundation of the assessment of the adopted legal solutions may be built on various perspectives. The model of legal assessment may be based on the constitution or norms of international law containing various human rights. The question arises whether all the conditions for limiting human rights have been respected. Have the material and formal conditions been met?

In accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, restrictions on the exercise of constitutional rights and freedoms may be established only by statute and only if they are necessary in a democratic state for its safety or public order, or for the protection of the environment, public health and morals, or freedoms and rights of other people; these limitations shall not violate the essence of freedoms and rights (art. 31 para. 3). It is, therefore, about finding balance, not eliminating a specific right or freedom

Judgment of 20 March 2006 (K 17/05; OTK ZU no. 3/A/2006, item. 30).

Two conditions can be inferred from the Constitution: prohibition of excessive interference with rights and freedoms, and the necessity of restrictions. Therefore, each time questions should be asked about the following: the usefulness of the restriction to achieve the goal; the choice of the mildest restriction; the adequacy of the limitation to the purpose

Judgment of 25 July 2013 (P 56/11; OTK ZU no. 6/A/2013, item. 85).

Each of the introduced restrictions had a chance to be positively assessed. First of all, there was a rational need for interference that directly contributed to the achievement of a constitutionally justified goal. It is easy to indicate specific values that were the aim of protection: life and health of citizens and foreigners residing in Poland and, in particular, the protection of people with disabilities and the elderly. Importantly, the introduced regulations, at least in the first wave of the spread of the virus, have largely achieved this goal. It should also be emphasized that the restrictions on constitutional rights and freedoms served to protect the values listed in art. 31 para. 3 of the Constitution. Pursuant to the requirement of proportionality (in the strict sense), restrictions on constitutional subjective rights cannot inadequately impose burdens on the subjects of rights and freedoms. Restrictions should be directly related and proportionate to the burden imposed

Judgment of 25 July 2013 (P 56/11; OTK ZU no. 6/A/2013, item. 85).

Undoubtedly, the threat is current, the effects affect the entire nation and the world, the functioning of social life has been disrupted and the uniqueness of the crisis requires the use of extraordinary measures

Leszek Garlicki in L Garlicki, P Hofmański and A Wróbel (eds), Konwencja o Ochronie Praw Człowieka i Podstawowych Wolności. Komentarz do artykułów 1–18 (Wydawnictwo C.H. Beck, Warszawa 2010) 801.

It should be noted that the limitation of the rights and freedoms contained in the constitution could occur in the event of the introduction of one of the states of emergency. Such a state may be introduced in situations of special risk, if ordinary constitutional measures are insufficient. According to art. 233 para. 3 of the Constitution, the statute specifying the scope of limitations of the freedoms and rights of persons and citizens during states of natural disasters may limit the freedoms and rights such as freedom of economic activity, personal freedom, freedom of movement and sojourn on the territory of the Republic of Poland, the right to strike as well as freedom to work. Public compensations should cover losses of individuals and companies.

According to art. 2 of the Act of 18 April 2002 on the state of natural disaster

Consolidated text Journal of Laws of 2017, item 1897 as amended.

It should be emphasized that neither of these states has been declared and the state of the epidemic does not belong to this group. From this perspective, some obligations and prohibitions do not have a sufficient legal basis. From this perspective, it could be said that the freedom of movement and other constitutional rights and freedoms have been restricted contrary to the Constitution.

The introduced regulations primarily affected the freedom of movement, both inside and outside the country. Generally, suspension of air traffic and closure of other countries’ borders in connection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic disallowed many workers, member of families and repatriates, from coming to Poland and probably had significant impact on the situation of people who were seeking protection in European countries. The actual lack of flights indirectly blocked the majority of migratory movements based on air freight (e.g. people who have a permanent residence permit in Poland and at the same time have the citizenship of a country that does not border with Poland directly).

In accordance with the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 7 August 2020 on the establishment of certain restrictions, orders and bans in connection with an epidemic

Regulation of the Council of Ministers of 7 August 2020 on the establishment of certain restrictions, orders and bans in connection with an epidemic (Journal of Laws of 2020, item 1356, as amended).

A major problem indirectly affecting the implementation of human rights was the closure of offices (including consulates). It should be remembered that it was difficult to obtain, for example, a visa, which in some cases is a condition for entry into the territory of Poland. Currently, it is impossible to arrange a visit to the Greater Poland Voivodeship Office. For instance, making an appointment to give fingerprints is nearly impossible

<https://rejestracjapoznan.poznan.uw.gov.pl/> accessed 20 August 2020.

However, the assessment of the majority of other introduced solutions in COVID Act can be perceived as acceptable. In particular, the above remark is related to regulations aimed at regulating the legal status of foreigners residing in and working in the territory of Poland. The regulations that allowed people called quasi-citizens in literature to cross the border should also be praised. It is worth mentioning that the term ‘quasi-citizens’ means foreigners who have lived in a given country for a very long time, have family ties in a given country and who are valuable in the light of the interests of the state

Dorota Pudzianowska, Obywatelstwo w procesie zmian (Wolters Kluwer business 2013) 245.

The considerations presented above allow for the formulation of several conclusions. The introduced restrictions must comply with the constitutional provisions and basic human rights. In general, legal solutions introduced to limit the spread of the virus limited migrants’ rights. However, in times of a crisis, some human rights give way to the realization of highly protected values (such as life or health). In terms of substantive limitations, they were in line with the principle of proportionality. Foreigners who have been called quasi-citizens were treated in the familiar way as citizens. According to constitutional provisions, migrants who seek protection, work in the EU, have family relationships and who are victims of trafficking were given special consideration. Unfortunately, the legislator seems to have forgotten about people who participate in local border traffic. At the same time, reasonable concern about the ban on flights should be raised.

It should be clearly emphasized that restriction of the freedoms and rights included in the Constitution requires the introduction of a state of emergency – state of natural disaster. The remark mentioned above is in line with the standpoint of the Commissioner for Human Rights

Koronawirus. Sposób ograniczanie poruszania się po kraju i uczestniczenia w mszach niezgodne z Konstytucją. RPO polemizuje z MZ <https://www.rpo.gov.pl/pl/content/koronawirus-sposob-ograniczanie-poruszania-sie-po-kraju-i-uczestniczenia-w-mszach-niezgodne-z-konstytucja> accessed 28 October 2020.

The experience gained so far allows us to propose to increase the EU's participation in crisis management. In this regard, the adoption of the Joint European Roadmap towards lifting COVID-19 containment measures is welcomed

Joint European Roadmap towards lifting COVID-19 containment measures, <https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/communication_-_a_european_roadmap_to_lifting_coronavirus_containment_measures_0.pdf> accessed 22 August 2020.

To conclude, it seems fitting to recall the words of Janusz Korczak, who was a Polish and Jewish author, doctor and child rights activist of the early 20th century. Korczak's main message was ‘there are no children, there are people’

Janusz Korczak, Prawo dziecka do szacunku (Rzecznik Praw Dziecka 2012) <https://www.sbc.org.pl/publication/345779> accessed 28 August 2020, 6.