Poland has announced stricter visa regulations after an investigation confirmed irregularities under the previous right-wing government, resulting in significant financial losses. The findings, released by the country’s Supreme Audit Office, highlighted a widespread cash-for-visa scheme that had been operating in Polish consulates, primarily in Asia and Africa.
New Measures to Prevent Misuse
Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski revealed on Thursday that obtaining a Polish visa will now be more challenging, as the process for vetting applicants will be more stringent. A Polish visa grants access to the Schengen Area, allowing unrestricted travel across Europe’s border-free zone. Sikorski emphasized that measures will be put in place to ensure thorough scrutiny of applications, particularly student visas, to prevent misuse of the system as a means of entering Europe.
Audit Confirms Widespread Irregularities
The audit report detailed multiple violations, including a lack of transparency, susceptibility to corruption, and poor oversight by the previous administration, led by Zbigniew Rau. It confirmed earlier media reports that Polish consulates had been accepting large sums of money for work visas, against legal regulations. Among the irregularities discovered was a case where Indian farmers were misrepresented as Bollywood filmmakers to gain entry into the Schengen Area.
Minister Acknowledges Loss of Control Over Visa System
“The ministry lost control over the visa system, particularly between 2018 and 2023,” Sikorski stated at a news conference. He explained that consular staff had faced unlawful pressure to increase the number of visas issued, sometimes to individuals who would not typically qualify, including Russian citizens.
New Policy on Illegal Migration to Be Introduced
In light of these findings, the ministry is now actively contributing to the creation of a new policy aimed at curbing illegal migration, with a more comprehensive plan to be unveiled by Prime Minister Donald Tusk this weekend.
Initial Response: Increased Visa Fees
Earlier this year, Sikorski responded to the scandal by raising visa fees, which had previously been among the lowest in Europe. This low-cost access attracted migrants from various regions, including Asia and Africa, who viewed Poland as a gateway to Europe. The audit further confirmed that thousands of visas were sold for hefty fees through agencies collaborating with Polish consulates, with one agency alone issuing over 4,200 visas from 2018 to March 2024. In some cases, applicants paid as much as 30,000 zlotys (approximately $7,600 or €7,000) for these services.
Legal and Parliamentary Action Underway
The Supreme Audit Office has indicated it may forward the findings to prosecutors for further legal action. Separately, the state anti-corruption bureau has already charged ten individuals, including former Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk, and continues its probe.
Additionally, a parliamentary commission, set up following last fall’s elections, is investigating the visa irregularities. Preliminary findings from the commission have confirmed significant flaws and a lack of oversight in the system.
Visa Statistics Highlight Scale of the Issue
According to the audit, between 2018 and 2023, Poland processed 6.5 million visa applications, of which 6.1 million were approved. This included 1.2 million Schengen visas, with a significant portion issued to citizens from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, including after the onset of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine in February 2022.