Poland reports rise in illegal foreign residents

Poland is facing a significant increase in the number of foreigners staying in the country illegally. According to the Polish Border Guard, approximately 8,300 individuals were identified as violating entry and residence laws between January 1 and the end of August this year. This represents a notable rise compared to the nearly 6,000 identified during the same period in 2025.

The largest groups identified include approximately 2,200 Ukrainians and 1,400 Colombians, followed by Georgians (748), Belarusians (400), and Moldovans (354). Violations include expired residence permits, lack of valid documentation, working without authorization, and the use of forged papers.

Experts and officials have raised concerns regarding a growing “gray zone” or informal circuit involving illegal employment, unauthorized housing rentals, and the use of fictitious companies to secure work visas. Tomasz Safjański, a professor at WSB University, warned that while the state may control its borders, the inability to effectively manage foreigners already within the territory creates a “security gap” and suggests a comprehensive crisis in foreign national management.