"This is another step towards regaining control over migration and increasing the safety of Poles" - the Chancellery of the Prime Minister reminded on Saturday, adding that this is a practical implementation of the Migration Strategy adopted by the government in October 2024
The declared purpose of introducing the new regulations is to ensure security, organize migration and enable control of the stay of those who want to work honestly, study and integrate with Polish society.
"We have launched an absolute fight against illegal migration, abuses, exploitation of legal loopholes or state weaknesses by those who organized such illegal migration" - Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced after the adoption of the regulations by the government.
According to the new regulations, anyone who wants to study in Poland will have to prove knowledge of the language of the courses at B2 level at least. Universities will also have to inform the consulate if an accepted student does not begin the studies, as well as verify the qualifications of foreign student candidates - working with the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) to confirm that such a person has passed all the required exams.
"We are open to everyone from all over the world who wants to study at Polish universities - but we are introducing requirements that will prevent organizers of illegal immigration from exploiting this" - the Polish government head emphasized at the time.
A limit on the number of foreigners admitted to studies is also being introduced, to eliminate fictitious students. Same goes for access to applying for temporary residence and work permits for foreigners. This also includes holders of visas and residence documents issued by another member state, and Polish visas issued, for purposes like transit, participation in cultural and sports events, studies, etc.
The Chancellery of the Prime Minister also reminded that the rules for access to the job market will also change from Sunday, and the institutions controlling it will gain greater influence on the permit-issuing process. Local authorities will now have the power to specify a list of professions and job types in which work permits will not be regionally issued to foreigners.
Furthermore, Regional Work Offices will now be required to analyze the salaries offered regionally every 6 months - to make sure that no malpractice is in place. Companies' penalties for illegal employment will also increase.
"These new regulations shall curb the abuse of the right to work in Poland by foreigners" - Donald Tusk declared.
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Source: PAP, IAR