A new package of immigration laws has reached the Sejm – what does it mean for foreigners and employers?

In January 2025, a package of four migration laws, aimed at reforming Poland’s migration policy between 2025 and 2030, was submitted to the Sejm. The changes will affect both foreigners residing in Poland, as well as entrepreneurs employing foreigners on the territory of Poland. Find out what new regulations may affect you!

Modern system for foreigners – no more paper applications?

The most important change in the act is the implementation of the MOS system (Module of Case Service), which will enable electronic submission of applications for temporary residence, permanent residence and long-term resident of the EU. This system will ensure intuitive, secure and streamlined processing, reducing the burden on provincial offices.

Additional changes include:

• the introduction of new rules for temporary residence and family reunification applications,
• improvements in issuing decisions on voluntary return and international protection,
• adaptation of Poland’s legislation to EU regulations, e.g. on the European travel document.

The reform aims to increase administrative efficiency, better alignment with digital standards and greater migration security .

Stricter penalties for dishonest employers – what will change in the employment of foreigners?

The previous legislation on the employment of foreigners was created 2 decades ago, hence it is clear that it is not adapted to the current situation in the country. The new law introduces:

• stricter penalties for illegal employment of foreigners,
• introduction of full electronic handling of work permit cases,
• introduction of integration programmes for foreigners,
• the possibility of introducing restrictions on the issuing of work permits in industries with low demand in a given region.

No more abuse of the visa system? New rules for students and employees

The changes proposed in the Act include a comprehensive reform of the visa system and the rules for legalising the stay of foreigners in Poland. Key changes include:

• digitising the recruitment of foreign students, including the introduction of a language requirement and new documents,
• creation of a central database of students admitted to universities in Poland,
• tightening control over the issuance of work permits and visas to prevent abuse,
• prioritising key workers for the economy.

These regulations are intended to make the visa system more transparent, secure and resistant to irregularities.

New migration rules: temporary restrictions and stricter rules for international protection!

The new regulations are intended to prevent the destabilisation of the internal situation in Poland and other EU countries due to increasing migration pressure. Highlights of the new rules include:

• a new definition of ‘instrumentalisation’, referring to actions of neighbouring countries or other entities leading to illegal border crossing and destabilisation of the country,
• additional grounds for termination of refugee status in the event of threats to national security.
• The possibility of temporarily limiting the right to apply for international protection at selected sections of the border (maximum 60 days, extendable with the consent of the Sejm.).
• exceptions for vulnerable groups and specific rules for the Border Guard in such cases, excluding the possibility for family members to submit joint applications during the period of restrictions.

What next?

The bills described above have now been referred to the Polish Parliament for consideration. Further changes to the drafts may still occur at this stage, so it is important to keep your hand on the pulse and monitor the legislative process to be best prepared for the upcoming changes. Therefore, we encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the most important information!

Are you a foreigner or an employer employing foreigners in Poland and need help with adapting to the upcoming changes? If so, we invite you to contact our migration department to address your concerns.