Islamabad, 29 Apr, 2025: Hungary Tighten Work Visa policies have drawn attention across Europe, and now Poland is following suit with a revised law that aims to control foreign labour.
From June 1, 2025, new employment regulations will come into force in Poland, altering how non-citizens can work within the country.
New Law Signed by Polish President
The new legislation, titled the Act on Conditions for Permitting the Employment of Foreigners in Poland, has been approved by President Andrzej Duda.
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As outlined by Schengen.News, the purpose of the reform is to curb misuse of the current system, increase efficiency in processing applications, and reduce administrative backlog through digitalisation.
Employment Criteria and Exemptions
Under the law, clear criteria have been established for foreigners seeking jobs in Poland. The act identifies the decision-making authorities, application steps, and responsibilities of employers.
It also introduces labour market support initiatives funded through the Labour Fund, with the goal of helping foreign nationals settle into Polish society and secure suitable employment.
Certain individuals will be exempt from parts of the regulation, including those holding permanent residency, asylum seekers, and persons granted humanitarian protection.
Moreover, the law defines which business entities can have foreign ownership, further tightening entry for foreign entrepreneurs.
Concerns About Labour Market Impact
The Hungary Tighten Work Visa trend mirrors similar sentiment across Eastern Europe. Polish trade unions have voiced unease over the rising presence of foreign workers, whose numbers surged to 530,000 in 2023 double the figure reported just a year prior.
While foreign labour helps fill workforce gaps, concerns persist about competition with local job seekers.
To balance these developments, authorities have made visa policies more restrictive, even affecting the issuance of visas for family members of foreign employees.
These measures reflect a broader shift in the country’s strategy for managing external workforce demands.
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The reforms are not only meant to enforce compliance but also streamline immigration-related procedures.
The shift toward digital administration is expected to make it easier for legal applicants while preventing system abuse.
As the EU continues to grapple with changing labour dynamics, Poland’s new employment law stands as part of a regional trend to more closely monitor foreign hiring, echoing similar moves as seen in Hungary Tighten Work Visa policies.
