Poland is extending temporary border controls with Slovakia until January 2, 2024 in response to ongoing attempts by migrants to enter Slovakia.

Slovakia is a transit country for migrants, mostly from the Middle East and Afghanistan, trying to reach Western Europe, especially Germany, after entering the European Union through Hungary from Serbia, Reuters and Agerpres said.

“Temporary border control has been extended on the Polish-Slovak border until January 2, 2024. Checks will continue to be carried out only at the entrance to Poland,” the Polish border police said on the X social media platform.

On October 4, Poland, the Czech Republic and Austria introduced border controls with Slovakia. In Warsaw, they called “a serious threat of illegal immigration on the Polish-Slovak section of the state border.” Subsequently, the event was continued several times.

Similarly, Slovakia last month approved the extension of its own temporary controls on its border with Hungary until December 23.

Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Austria are part of the Schengen free travel zone of the EU.