International conference highlights global perspectives on migration laws

SWPS University, a private institution in Poland, through its Faculty of Law, hosted a landmark international conference titled “European Migration Law in a Global Perspective,” which explored the evolution and challenges of migration law within a global context at its Warsaw campus.

Featuring two expert panels, the event drew together distinguished academics and legal professionals from the Philippines and Poland to share comparative insights into the legal frameworks, policy tensions, and social impacts of migration in their respective regions.

The event opened with remarks from Dr Paweł Kowalski, Assistant Professor at SWPS University, who underscored the conference’s objective: to foster a deeper understanding of migration law as both a national concern and a global imperative.

The Philippine Perspective – Challenges and Solutions in Migration Law

The first panel focused on the Philippine experience, offering an in-depth look at one of the world’s most dynamic migration contexts. Professors Maita Chan-Gonzaga, Ryan Jeremiah D Quan and Amparita S Sta Maria, from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law discussed the country’s role as a sender of migrant workers.

Topics ranged from institutional mechanisms protecting the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to evolving domestic responses to forced migration and human trafficking. The panelists highlighted the role of international legal standards in shaping national laws, while also addressing the challenges of aligning sovereign policies with human rights obligations.

“Migration in the Philippines is not just an economic issue—it is deeply woven into the country’s social and legal fabric,” echoed the panelists, emphasizing the need for nuanced and humane migration frameworks.

Moderated by Professor Hubert Izdebski of SWPS University, the panel encouraged Polish and European attendees to draw parallels between Southeast Asian and European migration dynamics.

European Realities – Migration Law in Poland and the EU

The second panel shifted focus to Europe, examining the legal and political developments shaping migration law within the European Union and Poland. With Europe facing heightened migratory pressures due to humanitarian crises and labor demands, panelists explored the balance between security, human rights, and EU solidarity.

Panelists included Dr Paweł Kowalski, Dr Łukasz Majewski, and Dr Katarzyna Antolak, all from SWPS University. They provided an analysis of the migration system of Poland and the increasing efforts in upholding migrants' rights.

Migration law is becoming one of the most significant tools of policy-making in Europe. The panelists also addressed the potential for mediation and alternative dispute resolution in resolving migrant-related conflicts.

As in the first session, Professor Izdebski moderated, steering discussion toward the future of migration law as an adaptive and responsive legal field.

A Comparative Dialogue with Global Implications

The conference concluded with a closing session highlighting the value of cross-regional collaboration in legal scholarship and policy development. Attendees were encouraged to view migration law as a shared global challenge that requires coordinated legal innovation, ethical considerations, and human-centered governance.

By bringing together scholars from two vastly different yet interconnected migration contexts, the conference provided a platform for mutual learning and reinforced the importance of international legal dialogue in addressing one of the defining issues of the 21st century.

As migration continues to reshape societies across the globe, events like this play a crucial role in ensuring that legal systems evolve not just to manage movement, but to protect dignity and uphold rights in an increasingly interconnected world.