Poland reveals key points of its new migration policy

The Polish Ministry of the Interior proposes that the country’s new migration policy focus on today’s labor market challenges, as Poland may soon require a significant increase in the supply of labor.

According to “European Pravda” citing “Polish Radio”, this is stated in the document “Migration Policy of Poland”, developed by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration.

The goal of the document is “to respond to the needs of economic policy by seeking foreign workers with appropriate competencies to fill the human resource gap in the labor market”.

The document also identifies areas where mechanisms need to be strengthened to enhance national security, particularly in the fight against and prevention of illegal migration, as well as in situations involving increased labor immigration flows.

According to the authors of the strategy, Poland’s immigration policy should focus on cyclical and short-term immigration, meaning immigration oriented towards current labor market needs, with a focus on skill shortages, encouragement of the return of Poles from the East, and the creation of an integration and assimilation system for foreigners planning to stay in Poland.

“At the same time, migration policy must be subordinated to state security principles and effectively prevent and combat abuses and violations that accompany migration processes,” the document states.

If in the future Poland’s demographic situation does not improve, and there are no significant results in the return of Poles from emigration or the scale of repatriation, then due to demographic changes, it is necessary to consider initiating active resettlement measures “from selected countries”.

“Selection mechanisms should consider both the qualifications of foreigners and factors aiding their integration and later assimilation, and should also allow for the temporary suspension or restriction of the inflow of foreigners within specific migration channels,” the document notes.

Migration policy should be implemented in accordance with the concept of a dominant culture, which sets defined boundaries for immigrants’ functioning within the state, rather than following a multiculturalism model.

The “Migration Policy of Poland” must be approved by the Polish government. The document will be updated every three years.