According to experts, over the last two decades, the number of foreigners in the Polish labour market has significantly increased. Foreign workers typically fill staffing gaps in various industries and regions of the country. Therefore, a need arose for updating the law to make the labour market fairer and safer for both local residents and foreigners.
The Act on the conditions of admissibility of entrusting work to foreigners (Ustawa o warunkach dopuszczalności powierzania pracy cudzoziemcom) is one of the key stages in the implementation of the National Recovery Plan. The draft Act was developed in the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. Ultimately, on February 21st, the Sejm approved the bill and sent it to the Senat for consideration.
“The main goal is to ensure security. Firstly, for Polish workers, so they do not fear losing their jobs or unfair competition. Secondly, security for foreign workers and protection of their rights. Thirdly, for entrepreneurs who, especially in conditions of low unemployment, face staff shortages and need clear, convenient, and transparent rules for attracting foreign labour,”— stated the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk.
Work in Poland: Upcoming Changes!
- The new Act will help control the process of issuing work permits in Poland, which, in turn, will reduce fraudulent schemes. It will now be much harder for fraudsters to bypass the system, and the Polish labour market will become safer.
- The Act also mentions the introduction of new electronic services and improving the functionality of IT systems to speed up and optimize the employment process for foreigners. It is assumed that a registry of employment contracts will also be created. Once the Act enters into force, employers will be required to send a copy of the contract with the foreigner to the authority that issued the work permit in Poland.
- Low wages, exploitation, and disregard for labour laws. The Act aims to stop the creation of a “parallel” labour market.
- Fines for illegal employment of foreigners are increasing. Sanctions ranging from 3,000 to 50,000 złoty are stipulated for each such violation.
Furthermore, once the Act enters into force, the Voivode will have the right to refuse issuing work permits in Poland to certain companies. For example, employment agencies that exist solely to help foreigners enter Poland and legalize their stay, provided that the company does not actually conduct business activity and its income comes from assistance with document processing.
To avoid encountering fraudsters and receiving a fake work permit, seek assistance with document processing only from verified specialists. By the way, on the pages of our blog, you will find a unique course “Legalization Workshop”, developed by our experts. The video lessons will help you independently submit documents for a residence permit in Poland.
The Ministry believes that stable and safe working conditions will help not only newcomers but also long-term residents in Poland to integrate into the country’s socio-economic “world”. Programs will also be developed to help foreigners adapt more quickly, for example, assistance in learning the Polish language. Additionally, there are plans to create specialized support centres for foreign workers.
