Starting from June 1, new migration regulations will come into effect in Poland, which will have a significant impact on various sectors, including the labor market, the academic sector, and the visa issuance system
This government decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen control over migration flows and enhance citizen security, reports the RMF FM radio station, citing official sources. More details about the innovations were covered by "European Pravda," which obtained comments from representatives of the Polish authorities. According to government officials, this step is a logical continuation of intentions to tighten control over migration processes as well as to eliminate opportunities for system abuse. It is declared that the new rules are an integral part of the implementation of the Migration Strategy approved by the Council of Ministers in October 2024. The main goal of the reforms is to reduce cases of misuse of the migration system to circumvent legislation, make the processes of legalizing residence and employment of foreigners more transparent and controllable, and to improve security in the migration sphere. On the official government website, the following statement is provided: "We are implementing specific measures to counteract abuse of the migration system for unlawful purposes. It is important for us to ensure that migration to Poland is legal and safe, works in the interest of the state, and contributes to the development of the economy and society." Thus, the authorities aim to create a stricter but fair legal framework that will prevent exploitation of the legal residence regime in the country. One of the key aspects of the new rules is the introduction of a requirement for universities and educational institutions to notify the relevant consular services if a foreign student is unable to continue their studies or does not meet language proficiency requirements. Specifically, students are expected to confirm their language skills at a level no lower than B2, ensuring their ability to study under the chosen program. Additionally, universities will be obliged to verify applicants' qualifications, and the National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) will oversee confirmations related to exam results and maturity certificates. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, commenting on these changes, emphasized: "We are open to everyone wishing to study at Polish universities, but we are establishing a clear set of requirements that will prevent abuse of this opportunity, including by organizers of illegal migration channels." He also added that the new rules aim to create equal conditions and prevent potential fraud schemes. Another important element of the changes is a limitation on the number of foreign students that can be admitted to higher education institutions to prevent so-called "fictitious students" — individuals who use universities solely to bypass visa and immigration procedures or to legalize employment, which currently poses a serious problem for the Polish education system and migration control. So far, these measures have sparked lively discussions in the public and political circles. For instance, on May 21, Prime Minister Tusk expressed readiness to close the Poland-Germany border if the German side begins deporting asylum seekers back to Poland, which caused additional resonance and raised discussions about the country's ongoing migration policy. At the same time, these new rules are intended to create a more stable and controlled immigration regime, which will help the Polish state better respond to modern challenges in this field. Overall, the enforcement of the new regulations from June 1 marks an important step for Poland in strengthening its migration policy, ensuring security, and supporting legal immigration in accordance with national interests and strategic goals.