Keynotes
- Poland slashes visa approvals by up to 90% to combat system abuse and restore security.
- New policies aim to balance border control with legal pathways for students and skilled workers.
- Polish authorities address past visa scandals with stricter scrutiny and enforcement.
Poland is taking decisive action to protect the integrity of its immigration system, cutting visa issuance by up to 90% in some categories.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, announced the move during an appearance on TVP Info’s “Question of the Day,” citing a significant reduction in visa abuse.
“We have significantly reduced free access to Polish visas, which were later abused. In some categories, we have seen a decrease of 30%, and in others, even 90%,” said Mościcka-Dendys.
The deputy minister also highlighted that these measures have already begun to limit the uncontrolled influx of migrants into Poland.
A New Era of Controlled Migration
Over the past year, Polish officials have been working to modernize the country’s migration policy. The reforms are designed to re-establish control over who enters Poland while maintaining open doors for genuine students, researchers, and skilled workers.
Authorities emphasize that while visa regulations are becoming stricter, the goal is not to isolate Poland but to ensure migration remains beneficial and well-regulated.
Protecting the Integrity of the Schengen Zone
Poland’s actions carry broader European implications. Since a Polish visa grants access to the entire Schengen Area, maintaining rigorous visa standards is crucial for regional security.
Officials noted that before 2023, obtaining a Polish visa was considered one of the easiest paths to legal stay within the European Union — a loophole that the new reforms aim to close firmly.
Reforms Target Past Scandals
Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski stressed that these changes are necessary to repair the damage caused by prior mismanagement.
An audit by the Polish Supreme Audit Office revealed that several consulates, particularly across Asia and Africa, were implicated in cases involving payments for expedited or fraudulent work visas.
By introducing tougher scrutiny and cleaning up its consular practices, Poland is restoring trust in its visa system and strengthening its national security framework.
Poland’s New Immigration Law
Beginning in June 2025, Poland will implement significant reforms that will drastically change the employment landscape for foreign nationals, especially for work visa applications. These changes comprise the following points:
| Change | Details |
| Two-Year Grace Period for New Employment Agencies | New agencies must wait two years after registration before they can hire non-EU foreign workers, unless the workers are exempt from work permit requirements. |
| Short Deadline for Existing Agencies | Existing agencies must update their registration within 3 months after the law comes into force or lose authorization to employ foreigners. |
| Entry Into Force | The new laws become effective on June 1, 2025, with a unique vacatio legis—14 days after publication, and effective from the first day of the following month. |
| Heavy Penalties | Employers could be fined up to PLN 50,000 for illegally employing foreigners. Foreign workers may also face penalties. |