Warsaw - Poland's lawmakers have passed amendments to the law, paving the way for a national referendum on accepting migrants to be held alongside the country's general election expected this autumn. The conservative government in Poland has previously opposed the European Union's plans to distribute responsibility for unauthorized migrants entering Europe, favoring a national referendum instead. However, the opposition views this referendum as a political tactic to boost the ruling party's election results. The amendments received parliamentary approval in a vote of 243-209, with one abstention.

These amendments allow for the referendum to be held on the same day as the parliamentary election, anticipating a higher voter turnout for both events. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced plans for a concise referendum question regarding accepting migrants on election day. While the date for the parliamentary election has not been officially announced, it is expected to take place in mid-October.

The amendments still require approval from the Senate and President Andrzej Duda. Poland, along with Hungary, recently vetoed an EU leaders' statement on priorities for managing migrant arrivals. Furthermore, both countries voted against a June 8 agreement that aimed to balance the responsibilities of front-line nations with the support from other member states.

Poland argues that it has already accommodated millions of war refugees from Ukraine, with approximately 1.2 million registering for temporary residence, and thus cannot accept additional migrants who enter Europe without authorization. The country calls for measures to halt migrant flows before they reach the borders of the European Union.