Illegal Migration

The issue of illegal migration in the Republic of Belarus is determined by its geographical location. Most illegal migrants view the Republic of Belarus as a transit country for subsequent illegal emigration to the countries of the European Union.

The Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus provides for criminal liability for intentional illegal crossing of the State border of the Republic of Belarus (Article 371), organization of illegal migration (Article 371-1 of the Criminal Code), and violation of the entry ban into the Republic of Belarus (Article 371-2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus).

Given the location of the Braslaŭ District on the border with Lithuania and Latvia, these issues remain relevant in our region.

The court of the Braslaŭ District annually considers criminal cases for offenses provided for in part 2 of Article 371-1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (organization of illegal migration committed in a manner that poses a danger to the life or health of foreign citizens or stateless persons, or associated with cruel or degrading treatment of them, or committed repeatedly, or by a group of persons by prior agreement, or by an official using their official powers).

Thus, in 2018, the district court sentenced 2 individuals to various terms of imprisonment under Article 371-1 of the Criminal Code, and in 2019 – also 2 individuals.

According to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus, the crime provided for in part 2 of Article 371-1 of the Criminal Code is classified as serious and provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 7 years with a fine.

Deputy Prosecutor of the District                    S.P. Harbus