Polish companies expand recruitment to Guatemala amid labor shortages

Polish companies are expanding their international recruitment efforts toward Central and Latin American countries, such as Guatemala, to address persistent labor shortages. This shift is driven by the increasing difficulty of securing foreign workers through traditional channels, largely due to high visa refusal rates and unpredictable administrative procedures.

Data from Worksol Group for the first half of 2026 indicates a rising demand for specialized personnel. The company reported 278 recruitment inquiries during this period, representing an 18.9 percent increase between the first and second quarters. Demand peaked in June, which saw a 40 percent increase in inquiries compared to May.

Key sectors facing shortages include professional drivers (specifically C+E category), welders, pipeline fitters, warehouse staff, and logistics specialists. Recruitment requests often involve large teams rather than single vacancies, including projects for up to 200 welders and 90 warehouse workers.