Poland debates migration policy and Ukrainian labor role

Poland is facing significant debates and shifts regarding migration and labor. A recent IBRiS poll indicates that 67.2% of respondents support the deportation of Ukrainian men of conscription age who are not legally employed in the country. This proposal, championed by the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has seen varying levels of support across political lines, with the highest approval among PiS voters (89%) and the lowest among New Left voters (87% opposition).

Government officials have highlighted the economic importance of foreign workers. Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk noted that Ukrainians are vital to sectors like construction, transport, and retail, suggesting that the economy would struggle without them. Data from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) shows that as of June, 1.34 million foreigners are insured, with Ukrainians making up the largest group at 901,000. Other growing groups include Colombians, whose numbers increased by one-third over the past year.

Concurrently, authorities are tightening controls. Recent coordinated actions by the Central Investigation Bureau of Police and Border Guard led to the detention of 20 foreigners, primarily from Colombia, Georgia, and Tajikistan, for residency violations. Additionally, the government has moved to restrict visa-free travel for citizens of Colombia, Georgia, and Venezuela to combat illegal stays and the shadow economy.