Poland has significantly restricted access to its visa system in response to growing concerns over irregular migration and the misuse of its relatively open immigration policies, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Henryka Mo?cicka-Dendys has announced.
Mo?cicka-Dendys revealed that the Polish government has reduced the issuance of some visa categories by 30 percent and others by as much as 90 percent. However, she did not specify which applicant groups are most affected by the new restrictions.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged that Poland had previously offered one of the most accessible visa systems within the European Union, but this leniency had led to an increase in abuse. “Easy access” began to be exploited by migrants entering the country irregularly, she noted, which prompted the government to tighten the rules and restore control over its borders.
Government Intensifies Migration Control Efforts
Despite previous measures aimed at controlling migration, Poland remains one of the EU member states registering high numbers of irregular entries. In light of the ongoing situation, Mo?cicka-Dendys said that the Polish government has been working “intensively” for the past 18 months to develop a more robust migration policy.
The goal, she explained, is to ensure better control over who is allowed to enter Polish territory and to alleviate migration pressure along the country’s borders.
New Visa Restrictions for International Students
In parallel with broader visa reforms, Poland has enacted stricter rules for foreign students applying for study visas. Last week, the Polish Senate passed legislation requiring all international applicants to demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of instruction for their chosen academic programs.
The law also introduces tighter oversight to prevent misuse of student visas as a backdoor entry into the European Union. Authorities aim to ensure that only qualified candidates are admitted and that universities are not accepting unqualified applicants in exchange for financial incentives.
These developments signal a major shift in Poland’s immigration stance, with the government taking clear steps to balance openness with greater scrutiny and control.
