Starting tomorrow, June 1, new regulations will come into force in Poland, tightening the rules for foreign citizens' access to the Polish labor market, universities, and the visa system. About this RMF FM reports.
The amendments are elements of the implementation of the migration strategy approved by the Council of Ministers in October 2024. The aim of the new rules is to limit abuse, increase the transparency of procedures, and strengthen supervision over the processes of legalizing the stay and employment of foreigners in Poland.
"We are implementing specific solutions that counteract the misuse of the migration system. We want migration to Poland to be legal, safe and serve the interests of the state."
Changes in the visa system
The new rules are intended to put an end to the use of the Polish visa system to circumvent the law. Now, every candidate for study in Poland will have to demonstrate knowledge of the language of instruction at a level of at least B2. Universities will be obliged to inform the relevant consulate if a student does not start their studies. In addition, universities will have to check the candidate's qualifications, and the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) will confirm whether the candidate has passed the entrance exam.
"We are open to anyone from all over the world who wants to study at Polish universities, but we are introducing requirements that will not allow organizers of illegal immigration to take advantage of this," — said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
The restriction on the admission of foreigners to study is also aimed at eliminating so-called "fictitious students" who use higher education institutions only as a way to bypass visa procedures and get a job.
New rules for access of foreigners to the labor market
In addition to the changes listed above, access to applying for temporary residence and work permits will also be restricted.
The updated rules deprive persons who have a visa or residence permit issued by another EU country, as well as those who have received a Polish visa, in particular for transit, study, participation in cultural or sporting events, of this right.
From June 1, the rules for foreigners' access to the labor market will also change.. District heads will be able to form lists of professions and types of work for which foreigners will not be issued employment permits.
Prime Minister Tusk said that the new rules should put an end to the abuse of the right to work in Poland by foreigners.
Provincial labor offices will also receive broader powers. They will have to analyze the wages offered in local labor markets every six months. In addition, Fines for illegal employment of foreigners will be increased.
The new rules are part of a broader plan to streamline migration policy. Poland, the government assures, remains open to foreigners, but only on clear, transparent and fair conditions.
"Migration must be legal, safe and meet the real needs of the state and the labor market," — writes RFM.
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