Poland experiences surge in returning emigrants and growing foreign workforce

Poland is seeing an increasing number of citizens returning from abroad, particularly from the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands. Returning migrants cite difficulties such as discrimination, high living costs, strained healthcare systems and a lack of safety in host countries, while emphasizing the appeal of family proximity and a sense of security at home. The trend has been accentuated since Brexit, which heightened anti‑migrant sentiment in the UK.

At the same time, the resident foreign population in Poland has reached roughly 2.0 million, about 7 % of the total population. According to data from the Office for Foreigners, the largest share are Ukrainians, with around one million under temporary protection and several hundred thousand holding temporary residence permits for work or study. Other notable groups include Belarusians, Indians, Georgians, Russians, Vietnamese and citizens of other EU states. Analysts note that the presence of these foreign workers influences the Polish labour market, social security contributions and demographic outlook, while also shaping public debate about immigration policy.