Overall, the government’s new strategy emphasizes stricter immigration control, targeted integration efforts, and a firm stance on national security in response to migration issues, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
This strategy, covering the years 2025-2030, was published on Thursday by the Polish Prime Minister's Office and highlights the government's intent to shift Poland's approach to both national and international protection for foreigners.
Entitled Regaining Control. Ensuring Security: A Comprehensive and Responsible Migration Strategy for Poland 2025-2030, the document was approved by the government on October 15. It calls for stricter immigration controls while addressing gaps in the labor market, education, culture and sports.
The government aims to reduce immigration and ensure it meets societal expectations. The new model will allow only specific foreign workers to fill shortages in sectors such as labor, education and culture.
The strategy includes strengthening Poland’s border infrastructure and implementing security programs in response to what it describes as the "instrumentalization of migration."
The strategy is critical of the European Union’s migration and asylum pact and calls for changes in both national and EU-level regulations. It advocates for more autonomous decision-making for Polish consular officers, increasing their control over visa issuance.
Visa policies will play a central role in controlling access to Poland. The government plans to implement digital tools to streamline and individualize the visa application process, aiming to minimize the influence of illegal intermediaries.
Consular staff will focus on verifying visa applicants' documentation thoroughly, ensuring that only those with legitimate purposes gain entry.
Additionally, the government wants to simplify the visa and residency processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles. It plans to eliminate intermediaries that abuse the system and make false residency applications.
Poland will develop a national return program with voluntary and forced components. This program will involve collaboration with international organizations such as Frontex, the International Organization for Migration, and the UN Refugee Agency.
The plan includes signing agreements with transit and origin countries to facilitate migrant returns.
The government also proposes a temporary suspension of asylum applications in case of direct security threats. Similar measures have been adopted by Finland, sparking discussions about incorporating these ideas into EU law.
Migrants granted protection in Poland will be required to participate in mandatory integration programs. Progress in these programs will affect their ability to receive permanent residency and potentially, Polish citizenship.
The government also plans to introduce a "citizenship test" for migrants, covering Polish culture and social norms, as part of the criteria for naturalization.
Foreign nationals wishing to work in Poland will need to meet specific requirements, such as holding citizenship from an OECD country or one with which Poland or the EU has a readmission agreement.
The employment of foreigners will be tightly regulated to prevent exploitation by employment agencies.
Language proficiency will be a key requirement for migrants intending to settle in Poland. The government plans to prioritize access to Polish language courses, particularly for Ukrainian migrants living in the country.
The strategy also outlines plans to engage with the Polish diaspora, encouraging the children of Polish emigrants to study in Poland.
Programs will include language courses and preparatory assistance for relocating to the country.
(rt/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP