Poland’s foreign workforce reaches 1.12 million, Ukrainians remain dominant

According to the latest data from the Central Statistical Office, 1.119 million foreign‑nationals were employed in Poland at the end of January 2026, a 7.1 % increase over the same month a year earlier. Ukrainian citizens constitute the largest group, with 757.7 thousand workers – about 68 % of all foreign employees – and their numbers rose by roughly 8 % year‑on‑year.

Foreign workers are concentrated in sectors facing chronic labour shortages, such as construction, logistics, manufacturing and services. About 38 % of them – 425.2 thousand people – are employed under civil‑law contracts (mandates and similar arrangements). The foreign labour pool now includes nationals from more than 150 countries, with notable growth among workers from Belarus, India, Colombia, the Philippines, Nepal and other Asian and South‑American states.

Analysts note a gradual diversification of the migrant workforce. While Ukrainians still dominate, increasing numbers of Asian and South‑American workers are beginning to fill roles traditionally held by Ukrainians, raising questions about the long‑term composition of Poland’s labour market as some Ukrainian workers consider returning home.