Speaking in Poland's upper house of parliament on Wednesday, Radosław Sikorski said that, starting next year, his ministry would intensify initiatives aimed at bringing Poland closer to people of Polish ancestry living abroad.
He mentioned plans to offer descendants of Polish emigrants opportunities for internships in Poland, combined with Polish language training.
The aim is to encourage expats to explore options for returning, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.
Sikorski also announced civic education programs intended to help members of Polish communities abroad become more actively involved in local initiatives.
"In this way, we aim to nurture a group of Polish diaspora leaders who will engage in the social and political life of their countries of residence, thereby supporting Polish interests in their local politics,” he said.
In recent years, politicians across the spectrum have encouraged Poles abroad to consider returning, saying that Poland’s economy is prospering, wages are increasing, and the job market is improving.
The Polish diaspora is estimated at around 20 million people, roughly half of Poland’s population.
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Source: IAR, PAP