Poland Tightens Visa Regulations Following Cash-for-Visa Scandal

Poland is tightening its visa rules after investigations confirmed a cash-for-visa scandal under the previous right-wing government, which cost the public millions of dollars. Radek Sikorski, the country's foreign minister, announced on Thursday that it will now be more difficult to obtain a visa for Poland. This visa allows for unrestricted travel within Europe’s Schengen zone, and the vetting process for applicants will be significantly enhanced.

For instance, applications for student visas will undergo stricter scrutiny to prevent misuse, where individuals previously used these visas solely to gain entry into Europe.

A report released by the state Supreme Audit Office detailed the investigation into the Foreign Ministry's visa department, affirming media allegations from last year. It revealed that Polish consulates in Asia and Africa charged thousands of dollars for each work visa, in violation of regulations. The report identified 46 types of irregularities across five different areas, highlighting a lack of transparency, a corruption-prone environment, and inadequate supervision by the former foreign minister, Zbigniew Rau.

One shocking example involved Indian farmers, who were misleadingly described as Bollywood filmmakers in their visa applications. “We can confirm that, unfortunately, unlawful pressure was exercised over Polish consuls to increase the number of visas issued to individuals who should not necessarily receive them, including citizens of the Russian Federation,” Sikorski said.

The foreign minister added that the ministry is working on a new policy to curb illegal migration, which Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to present on Saturday. Earlier this year, Sikorski's response to the scandal was to raise visa fees, which were among the lowest in Europe and attracted migrants from Asia and Africa seeking entry into Europe through Poland. The cash-for-visa scheme was established under the former Law and Justice government, despite its anti-migrant policies.

The audit revealed that between 2018 and early 2024, thousands of visas were issued to individuals who paid large sums to agencies linked with Polish consulates. One agency alone granted over 4,200 visas between January 1, 2018, and March 29, 2024. Some applicants reportedly paid as much as 30,000 zlotys (approximately $7,600 or €7,000), according to auditors.

The audit chamber is considering referring the case to prosecutors. A separate investigation by the state anti-corruption bureau has already led to charges against former deputy foreign minister Piotr Wawrzyk and nine others, with investigations ongoing.

A special parliamentary commission, formed after the elections last fall, is also looking into the visa irregularities and has confirmed many systemic flaws.

Overall, the audit indicated that from 2018 to 2023, Poland issued 6.1 million visas, including 1.2 million Schengen visas, from a total of 6.5 million applications. Among those granted visas, 3.4 million were issued to Ukrainian citizens, 1.6 million to Belarusians, and over 357,000 to Russian citizens, including some issued after Russia's aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.

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