Poland sees rise in foreign workers and students

Recent data indicates a significant increase in the number of foreign nationals living and working in Poland. As of late March 2026, approximately 1,152,700 foreigners were employed in the country. Ukrainians constitute the largest group of workers, totaling 783,900 individuals, which represents 68% of the total foreign workforce. Other notable groups include citizens from Belarus (121,099), India (22,661), and Georgia (20,946). Many of these workers are employed under mandate contracts or similar agreements.

This demographic shift is also reflected in the Polish education system. Reports show that roughly 246,000 foreign students are currently enrolled in Polish schools, accounting for about 5% of the total student population. These students are present in 68% of all schools across the country. The concentration is higher in major cities, such as Wrocław (16%), Gdańsk (12%), and Warsaw, Szczecin, and Kraków (approximately 11% each).

Among the foreign students, Ukrainians make up the vast majority with approximately 210,000 pupils, followed by Belarusians (18,800) and Russians (2,600). Together, these three nationalities represent about 94% of all foreign students in the country.