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07 October 2024

Poland: New integration centres established nationwide

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At the request of the Ministry of Family, Labour, and Social Policy in Poland, 49 Foreigners' Integration Centres (CICs) are being established across the country. 

These 'one-stop shops' will provide standardised services to newly arrived migrants and serve as platforms for cooperation between local authorities, the government, and NGOs. The centres are being set up by marshal offices, in cooperation with other institutions dealing with migrants in the respective localities. The implementation partnership in each area must include the province office responsible for legalising migrants' residence and at least one non-governmental organisation experienced in working with at least 5 groups of migrants.

All CICs are obliged to offer the following services:

  • Polish language courses at levels A1/A2
  • Information and advisory points
  • Psychological care for children
  • Support for legalisation of stay
  • Legal assistance regarding employment and labour rights
  • Adaptation and orientation courses
  • Domestic violence prevention
  • Human trafficking prevention
  • Training for educational and public administration staff
  • Management of a CIC website and social media accounts

The curriculum of adaptation and orientation courses will be standardised nationwide and cover the following thematic blocks: (1) Poland - basic information, (2) History of Poland, (3) Constitution of the Republic of Poland - constitutional principles and other key legal acts, (4) Political and administrative system of the Republic of Poland, (5) Local government in the Republic of Poland, (6) Polish cultural heritage, (7) Education, (8) Health, (9) Economy, (10) Society, (11) Social activity.

CICs may also provide additional services, such as language courses at levels B1/B2, psychological support for adults, trips for foreign children, informational campaigns, translations, remedial classes for children, or support from a personal assistant in offices, schools, medical centres, and so on.

Foreigners may use the centres until they submit an application for a long-term EU residence permit, which requires knowledge of the Polish language to at least B1 level. Afterwards, foreigners should be self-sufficient enough to access services on the same terms as Polish citizens.

The centres are funded by the European Commission's Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF), but are also expected to seek other sources of funding such as the European Social Fund, the government’s labour fund, or local budgets.

Guidelines for the Operation of the Foreigners' Integration Centres
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(242.5 KB - PDF)
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Publication dates
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Poland
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Posted by
Magdalena Lesinska
Country Coordinator

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