Poland tightens visa regulations amid cash-for-visa scandal

Poland is taking decisive steps to reform its visa regulations in response to a visa cash scandal uncovered under the previous government.

As reported by TravelBiz, the investigations revealed serious irregularities that cost the public millions, prompting a comprehensive review of the visa application process.

In this regard, the Polish government is ready to implement new measures that will alter the visa application standard.

According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radek Sikorski, these reforms aim to address and rectify the mismanagement of the past.

The changes are reportedly designed to improve vetting and ensure that only qualified applicants are granted access to Polish visas, particularly those allowing travel within the Schengen area.

What to Know

Reports say that Poland’s Supreme Audit Office recently confirmed that several consulates in Asia and Africa participated in the cash-for-visa scheme, collecting large payments for work visas.

The audit revealed 46 irregularities, highlighting issues of corruption and lack of oversight. One notable case involved individuals from India posing as filmmakers to obtain visas, while others engaged with questionable agencies to obtain visas in exchange for large sums of money.

Stricter measures

It is claimed that the revised regulations will impose stricter requirements for visa applicants. Therefore, under the new system, student visas will face more rigorous vetting processes to prevent abuse, especially in light of previous incidents where these visas were misused for illegal entry. legal in Europe.

Sikorski stressed that these changes are essential to restore the integrity of Poland’s immigration system.

In a related move, TravelBiz reports that Poland has also increased visa fees, which were among the lowest in Europe. This decision is intended to deter migrants from regions such as Asia and Africa, who have previously used Poland as a gateway to the continent.

The fee increase is in contrast to the previous lenient visa system, which the Law and Justice Party oversaw during its rule.

Government admits visa system failures

Sikorski reportedly acknowledged that the government failed to manage the visa system effectively from 2018 to 2023. The details reveal that consuls illegally issued visas, including to Russian nationals.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to announce more policies aimed at reducing illegal immigration in light of the audit’s findings.

Auditors reveal scope of scandal

The audit showed that agencies working with Polish consulates issued thousands of visas from 2018 to early 2024. One agency alone provided more than 4,200 visas, with applicants paying up to 30,000 zlotys ( around $7,600 or €7,000).

As investigations progress, TravelBiz reports that authorities are looking into possible charges against those involved, including former Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk, who, along with nine others, has already been charged by the state anti-corruption office.

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