Poland has drastically scaled back the number of visas issued to foreign nationals, with reductions reaching as high as 90% in certain categories, according to government officials who spoke earlier this week.
Henryka Mościcka-Dendys, Poland’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the significant cutbacks while addressing reporters. She pointed to growing concerns over widespread abuses of the visa system as the driving force behind the move. According to Mościcka-Dendys, Poland had previously been known for offering some of the most accessible pathways to legal residency in the European Union. However, she warned that this openness had increasingly been taken advantage of by those seeking irregular entry into the Schengen Area.
“When it comes to visas, we have a decrease in some categories by 30%, and in others by as much as 90%,” Mościcka-Dendys stated. Although she refrained from specifying which visa categories or applicant nationalities were most affected, she emphasized that the changes were necessary to protect the integrity of the country’s borders and immigration policies.
Prior to 2023, obtaining a Polish visa was often seen as one of the simplest routes to legally establish residency in the EU. Yet, Polish authorities became alarmed by the rising trend of migrants misusing the system to gain irregular access to the Schengen zone, ultimately prompting a sweeping policy overhaul.
“We have significantly reduced free access to Polish visas and, by extension, the possibility of abusing them for various purposes,” Mościcka-Dendys remarked. “Before 2023, a Polish visa was the easiest way to legalize your stay in the European Union.”
Balancing Economic Needs and Border Security
Like many European nations, Poland has struggled to strike a balance between the demand for foreign labor and educational exchanges on one hand, and growing domestic concerns over illegal migration on the other. Despite implementing several measures aimed at tightening border controls, Poland continues to experience a high number of migrants attempting to enter or remain in the country illegally.
The government’s recent policy adjustments reflect a broader effort to regain control over immigration while still supporting legitimate pathways for students and workers. Officials insist that while the crackdown will be strict, Poland remains committed to facilitating legal migration for qualified individuals.
Context Behind the Crackdown
Over the past year, Polish authorities have worked to update the country’s migration strategy to better manage who is allowed entry. The overarching goal, they say, is to alleviate pressure on Poland’s borders while maintaining viable options for genuine students and skilled workers to enter legally.
Among the new measures, the Polish Senate recently passed legislation tightening visa requirements for international students. Under the updated rules, prospective students must demonstrate at least a B2 level of proficiency in the language of instruction for their academic programs. Officials argue that this requirement will help ensure that educational visas are not exploited as a loophole for unauthorized immigration.
Additionally, new regulations are being introduced to prevent universities from accepting ineligible students simply for financial gain. Authorities insist that these reforms are essential to restoring trust and legitimacy to Poland’s international education system.
Fallout from the “Cash-for-Visa” Scandal
Poland’s sweeping visa reforms also follow the exposure of a major “cash-for-visa” scandal that rocked the previous administration. According to investigations reported in October 2024, serious irregularities plagued the visa issuance process, allegedly costing the public millions of euros and undermining the country’s immigration policies.
Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski emphasized that the current government’s reforms are aimed squarely at cleaning up the system and restoring its integrity. An audit conducted by Poland’s Supreme Audit Office confirmed that multiple consulates—particularly those in Asia and Africa—were deeply involved in corrupt practices, including fast-tracking visa applications in exchange for significant payments.
The audit uncovered at least 46 documented irregularities, ranging from individuals posing as filmmakers from India to fraudulent intermediaries helping applicants illegally access the Schengen Area. Officials revealed that many of these fraudulent visas were linked to bogus work opportunities or shady academic placements.
The government says it has introduced far stricter vetting processes to ensure that only qualified, legitimate applicants are granted visas moving forward—particularly those that allow travel across the Schengen zone.
Looking Ahead
Poland’s drastic cuts to visa issuance mark a major shift in how the country approaches immigration. While these measures are likely to make it harder for many third-country nationals to access opportunities in Poland and beyond, officials stress that they are vital to restoring security and public trust in the system.
For genuine students, workers, and migrants seeking legal entry, the message is clear: meeting the new, stricter standards will be essential. Meanwhile, Polish authorities vow to continue strengthening oversight to prevent further abuses of the country’s immigration pathways.
