WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland tightens visa regulations amid investigations into allegations money for visa scandal have confirmed irregularities under the previous right-wing government which cost millions of dollars to public funds, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of this European Union country on Thursday.

Radek Sikorski said it will now be much more difficult to obtain a visa for Poland, a document that provides access to unrestricted travel within Europe. Schengen zone without bordersand the selection of candidates will be strengthened. For example, student visa applications will be scrutinized to avoid situations where they are only used as a means of entering Europe.

On Thursday, the Supreme State Audit Office published the report of its investigation into the Foreign Ministry and confirmed media allegations made last year that Polish consulates in Asia and Africa took thousands of dollars for each work visaagainst the regulations. One of the most egregious examples involved visas granted to dozens of Indian farmers, described in their documents as Bollywood filmmakers.

The ministry lost control of the visa system, especially between 2018 and 2023, Sikorski said at a news conference.

“We can confirm that, unfortunately, in a scandalous manner, illegal pressure has been placed on Polish consuls with the aim of increasing the number of visas issued to people… who should not necessarily be granted them, including citizens of the Russian Federation,” Sikorski said.

Earlier this year, Sikorski’s first response to the scandal was to raise visa fees, which were among the cheapest in Europe and attracted migrants from Asia and Africa seeking access to Europe via Poland. The cash-for-visa system was developed under the previous Law and Justice government, in stark contrast to its anti-migrant policies and statements.

The report released Thursday said that between 2018 and early 2024, thousands of visas were issued to people who paid large sums to agencies cooperating with Polish consulates.

A single agency issued more than 4,200 visas between January 1, 2018 and March 29, 2024. Some applicants paid up to 30,000 zlotys ($7,600; 7,000 euros), according to auditors.

The audit chamber is considering whether to take the case to prosecutors.