With the support of the EU and the IOM Development Fund, IOM Belarus and the State Border Committee (SBC) rolled out a new information campaign to strengthen the COVID-19 response at points of entry (PoEs) by land and air. Starting 27 May 2020, 1,500 foreigners and Belarusian citizens have been receiving up-to-date information on COVID-19 prevention measures when they enter the country.

At passport control, everyone receives a leaflet with information on COVID-19 including its risks and prevention measures, as well as behavioral recommendations for the 14-day self-isolation period required upon arrival in Belarus. The information is provided both in Russian and English.

Anton Bychkovskiy, the SBC Spokesperson, remarked, “The current public health care crisis demonstrates the importance of having the most recent information on COVID-19 prevention at hand. The border guards are the first to meet the new arrivals. It seems natural to distribute the latest information on preventive measures and self-isolation."

With the constantly changing situation and forthcoming gradual border openings, the leaflet will be updated accordingly.

“This pandemic has forced governments to reconsider their approaches to migration issues and adjust them to new realms. IOM Belarus welcomes the readiness of the Belarusian government in this regard. For example, now foreigners can request to extend their stay in Belarus in case that they cannot leave the country due to the COVID-19 outbreak," said Mahym Orazmuhammedova, IOM's Chief of Mission in Belarus. 

"Our information campaign is another joint step to strengthen preparedness and the COVID-19 response, particularly, at the points of entry with respect for the rights of those who are on the move. We are glad to have the support of the EU and the IOM Development Fund on our side,” she added.

The second part of the campaign will take place via social media networks to reach more people.

For more information, contact:

Olga Borzenkova at IOM Belarus, Tel: +375 17 2882742. E-mail: oborzenkova@iom.int