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21 August 2024

Poland: Immigration as a rescue for the economy and social benefits

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This report, commissioned by the Employers of the Republic of Poland (one of the country's largest employers' associations), finds that current labour shortage issues and the shrinking national population - particularly as far as those of working age are concerned - can be largely addressed by increasing immigration. However, to avoid negative effects, it is important to focus on the integration of immigrants and encouragement of Poles to be more accepting of newcomers, especially those from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

The report notes that Poland will particularly lack workers for jobs that do not require a university degree. Among the suggested solutions is introducing a job-seeking card, similar to the German Chancenkarte, for migrants from non-EU countries, allowing them to enter Poland to look for work. It also suggests that trade unions should be involved in supporting the integration of foreign workers.

The publication further states that immigrants should be provided with a clear roadmap for integration, a so-called 'path to rights', to follow in order that they might be allowed to settle permanently in Poland. Clear rules and expectations would help reduce "the percentage of disappointed people (...) building a rebellious community in Poland" and, at the same time, increase social acceptance of immigration.

Immigrants who break the law or violate social norms should be aware that they could face expulsion from the country, continues the report. Migrants should also learn Polish and be familiar with basic legal and cultural norms. The authors of the report suggest clearly defining when migrants are eligible for different social benefits. In their view, it is not necessary to grant migrants equal rights with Polish citizens from the beginning of their stay in Poland.

It is also suggested within the publication that immigrants stay in touch with authorities through a special application that would provide training on Polish legal and cultural norms in the user's chosen language. The application would also let them agree to follow these rules, with the risk of losing their residency rights if they do not comply, and explain the integration stages and the requirements for reaching them. The application could also verify their knowledge of the Polish language. Such a solution would enable the state to monitor each migrant’s progress.

Immigration: A Rescue for the Economy and Social Benefits
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Details

Authors
Kamil Sobolewski, Simon Peachey, Wojciech Konecki, Konrad Pokutycki, Wojciech Mora, Iwona Szmitkowska, Maciej Legutko, dr Jarosław Janecki, dr Dorota Kałuża-Kopias, dr Kamila Schöll-Mazurek, dr Olena Shelest-Szumilas
Geographic area
Poland
Contributor type
Service providers/profit organisations
Original source
Posted by
Magdalena Lesinska
Country Coordinator

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