In an effort to mitigate the fallout from last year's visa scandal, Poland has drastically reduced the issuance of work visas to foreigners. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, the issuance of work visas by Polish consulates to foreign nationals seeking employment in the country has decreased by one-third.
In addition to reducing the number of visas issued to foreign workers, Polish authorities informed Wyborcza that they have tightened visa issuance rules for foreigners wishing to visit family members employed in Poland. Regarding Poland's efforts to address the aftermath of the visa scandal, a Polish consul in an Asian country commented that the situation has notably improved.
The consul emphasized that Poland has closed its doors, indicating that those who do not meet the requirements and attempt to enter the country through irregular means or bribery, intending to abuse visas, will no longer succeed. The consul told Wyborcza that the decrease in the number of visas issued to foreigners stems from instructions provided to all consulates.
Polish authorities have asserted that necessary actions have been implemented, although diplomats from Asia have expressed dissatisfaction with the stringent visa regulations being enforced by the country. According to statements made to Wyborcza by the consul, certain Asian governments are harboring resentment towards Poland due to its tightened visa policies. The consul also mentioned that despite requests from foreign ministries for urgent visas, Polish consulates are declining these applications.
The consul highlighted that Poland's new approach is causing frustration among authorities in certain countries. He further underscored that the response from these countries indicates the effectiveness of the measures and reflects the extent of visa abuse that occurred. In addition to tightening rules for work visas, Poland is also considering stricter requirements for visas for foreign students. This plan follows revelations that non-EU students were applying for Polish visas under the guise of studying in the country but were subsequently entering other Schengen member states irregularly.