Poland has implemented new visa requirements for citizens of Georgia, Colombia, and Venezuela who intend to enter the country for employment. Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski signed the regulation on August 10, which became active on August 16. This shift marks a direct response to concerns regarding the misuse of visa-free travel for illegal labor and unauthorized stays.
Government officials identified these nations as presenting a high migration risk. According to the official statement, the previous visa-free system was frequently exploited for irregular work, which contributed to the growth of a grey economy and instances of worker exploitation. By moving to a mandatory work visa requirement, the administration intends to gain better oversight of incoming labor flows.
The new regulations apply specifically to those entering for work purposes. Tourism and other permitted short-term visits remain unaffected by this change. Individuals who arrived in Poland prior to August 15 are excluded from these requirements, though they remain subject to existing national laws.
This move aligns with a broader strategy to curb irregular migration and organized criminal activity linked to foreign nationals. The government has increased police presence and deportation efforts over the past year. Starting August 22, the policy will also prevent individuals from these three countries from holding active work permits while remaining on a visa-free stay status. Authorities view these steps as necessary measures to maintain public order and secure domestic labor markets.