Poland 'armours' the border with Slovakia, additional control measures to prevent illegal immigration

Poland will impose control measures on vehicles crossing the border from Slovakia, the country's prime minister said on Monday, in an effort to stem the flow of migrants.

The ruling nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) party has made immigration a central issue in the campaign to win a third term in the October 15 election and has included questions on the topic in a referendum to be held at the same time as the election. .

Meanwhile, Slovakia is facing an increase in the number of illegal immigrants. The number of illegal immigrants detained in Slovakia has risen ninefold from a year ago to more than 27,000 so far this year, according to the country's interior ministry.

"I instructed the interior minister to establish control measures for... vans, cars, buses where there are suspicions of illegal immigrants," Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki told an election rally.

A spokesman for the Slovak foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mr Morawiecki spoke shortly after government spokesman Piotr Muller said Warsaw was considering tightening border controls but that no decision had been made as it wanted to consult with partners first.

Mr Morawiecki also hit back at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who on Saturday called on the Polish government to come clean about allegations of a migrant visa payment scheme that has rocked Polish politics.

Mr. Morawiecki said that Mr. Scholz's comments could be a warning about the possible closure of the border with Poland.

"It would be better if you were informed about the current situation and not interfere in the affairs of Poland," he said, addressing Mr. Scholz.

Mr. Muller had stated that the government did not rule out the strengthening of controls on the border with Germany./ VOA