On 31st March 2020, the Polish president, Andrzej Duda, signed the so-called Anti-Crisis Shield. It is a set of three legal acts which envisage, among others, special measures for foreigners for the duration of the coronavirus pandemic. 

The new measures enable foreigners legally residing in Poland to continue their stay until the end of the state of emergency. First, the legal stay of foreigners with a temporary residence permit or a visa, which would normally end during the emergency period, will be extended until the end of the 30th day following the end of the state of emergency. The validity of work permits and other documents entitling foreigners to work in Poland will similarly be extended.

Second, foreigners staying in Poland permanently, including refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection, will be released from the obligation to apply for new residence cards until the relevant offices restore regular service.

During the outbreak, foreigners will not be required to submit any applications to extend their stay—ttheir permits will be renewed automatically. Detailed information on the special provisions for foreigners is available in several language versions (Polish, English, Ukrainian and Russian) on the website of the Office for Foreigners.

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