Poland is taking decisive steps to reform its visa regulations in response to the cash-for-visa scandal uncovered under the previous government.

As TravelBiz reports, investigations revealed serious irregularities that cost the public millions, prompting a comprehensive review of the visa application process.

To this end, the Polish government is preparing to implement new measures that will change visa application standards.

According to Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, these reforms aim to remedy past mismanagement.

The changes, as noted, aim to strengthen control and ensure that only qualified applicants have access to Polish visas, particularly those allowing travel within the Schengen zone.

What you need to know

Reports indicate that the Polish Supreme Audit Office recently confirmed that several consulates in Asia and Africa had participated in the cash-for-visa program, accepting large payments for work visas.

The audit found 46 irregularities, highlighting issues of corruption and lack of oversight. One notable case involved Indian individuals posing as filmmakers to obtain visas, while others approached questionable agencies to obtain visas in exchange for large sums of money.

Stricter measures

It is stated that the revised regulations will impose stricter requirements on visa applicants. So, under the new system, student visas will be subject to more rigorous vetting processes to prevent abuse, particularly in light of previous incidents where such visas were misused to enter illegally in Europe.

Sikorski stressed that these changes are essential to restore the integrity of the Polish immigration system.

On a related note, TravelBiz reports that Poland also increased its visa fees, which were among the lowest in Europe. The move aims to deter migrants from regions like Asia and Africa, who previously used Poland as a gateway to enter the continent.

The fee increase contrasts with the previous lenient visa system, which the Law and Justice Party oversaw during its governance.

Government admits visa system failures

According to reports, Sikorski admitted the government’s failure to effectively manage the visa system from 2018 to 2023. The details reveal that consuls issued visas illegally, including to Russian nationals.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to announce new measures to reduce illegal immigration in light of the audit findings.

Auditors reveal scale of scandal

The audit showed that thousands of visas were issued between 2018 and early 2024 by agencies working with Polish consulates. One agency alone has facilitated more than 4,200 visas, with applicants paying up to 30,000 zlotys (around $7,600 or €7,000).

As the investigation progresses, TravelBiz reports that authorities are exploring possible charges against those involved, including former Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk, who, along with nine others, has already been charged by the national bureau anti-corruption.

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