In 2022, 152 000 new immigrants obtained a residence permit longer than 12 months in Poland (excluding EU citizens), 99% more than in 2021. This figure comprises 69% labour migrants, 11% family members (including accompanying family) and 20% other migrants. Around 33 000 short-term permits were issued to international students and 342 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 92 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2022, a 58% increase compared to 2021. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Ukraine, Belarus and Germany were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2022. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Ukraine registered the strongest increase (31 000) and Germany the largest decrease (‑6 100) in flows to Poland compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 0.3%, to reach around 7 700. The majority of applicants came from Belarus (3 500), Ukraine (1 600) and Russia (1 000). The largest increase since 2022 concerned nationals of Belarus (600) and the largest decrease nationals of Russia (‑400). Of the 6 520 decisions taken in 2023, 71% were positive.
Emigration of Polish citizens to OECD countries increased by 11% in 2022, to 137 000. Approximately 40% of this group migrated to Germany, 19% to the Netherlands and 5% to Spain.
With the lifting of the state of the epidemic emergency on 31 July 2023, the special arrangements for foreigners introduced in connection with the pandemic came to an end. This ended the extension by law of visas, residence and work permits, of employment on the basis of an employer’s declaration of entrusting work to a foreigner, of the right to perform work under conditions other than those specified in a seasonal work permit as well as to perform seasonal work only on the basis of having previously worked legally in Poland. Foreigners and their employers must again apply for all relevant documents legalizing residence and work. From April 2023, Ukrainians under temporary protection may stay in that status or apply for a temporary residence permit for work or business purposes. After obtaining the latter permits, they lose temporary protection, but the way is open for further legalisation of their stay.
In September 2022 Poland ceased allowing Russian citizens to enter for economic, tourist, sports and cultural purposes, as well as to enter the European Union through its territory. However, they may be granted a Polish visa for humanitarian reasons if this is justified. From 28 October 2022, it is not possible to employ a Russian citizen on the basis of the simplified procedure; the Polish employer must obtain a work permit for a foreigner. In October 2023, the government introduced temporary controls, lasting to March 2024, at the border with the Slovak Republic, owing to the large number of migrants illegally crossing into Poland to continue their journey to Western Europe. In December 2023, the Minister of the Interior and Administration amended the regulation on visas for foreigners, to make it more difficult for the Belarusian authorities to identify and persecute holders of the Card of the Pole.
New legislative changes concerning the employment of foreigners have facilitated their access to the Polish labour market. Foreigners with a specific attestation of knowledge of the Polish language may be employed in a civil service position in which the work performed does not involve direct or indirect participation in the exercise of public authority and functions aimed at protecting the general interests of the State.
In June 2023, the range of accepted documents for proving B1‑level knowledge of the Polish language, required for the EU Long-term resident permit, was expanded. Recognition of foreign qualifications for certain occupations was facilitated in 2022, including for Ukrainian miners, doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives. Teleworkers from abroad meeting certain conditions were made exempt from work permit requirements.
Provisions were made in April 2023 to ensure the application of EU Regulations on the use of the Schengen Information System for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals and on the establishment, operation, and use of the Schengen Information System.
Following the change of government in December 2023, a draft new document on Poland’s migration policy by the inter-ministerial Committee for Migration is expected in 2024.
For further information: migrant.info.pl | www.emn.gov.pl | www.mos.cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/en
