Poland restricts visa-free travel from specific countries
Poland is restricting visa-free entry for citizens of Colombia, Georgia and Venezuela, citing rising illegal stays, unauthorized employment, labor exploitation and human trafficking. Experts acknowledge the problems but argue that the government is addressing the symptoms rather than weaknesses in visa processing, legalization procedures and enforcement. SMEs may be hit hardest because they already face labor shortages and lengthy recruitment procedures. Foreign workers are becoming increasingly important to Poland’s economy, contributing an estimated PLN 416 bln to GDP, up from PLN 200 bln a year earlier.
Experts warn that tighter access without faster visa processing could worsen staffing shortages, delay investment and push more employment into the gray economy.
