Faster formalities for foreigners, but not for drivers

Poland's Ministry of Interior and Administration has presented a draft amendment to the foreigners act, aiming to shorten temporary residency permit procedures and reduce administrative burdens on provincial offices. The goal is to cut red tape in issuing visas and legalizing stays, while also improving consistency between residency and work permit systems.

The proposed measures include a "silent procedure" for citizens of highly developed third countries who are eligible for visa-free travel within the EU. Under this system, if provincial authorities do not issue a decision within 60 days, the application is considered approved. The Council of Ministers will determine the list of eligible countries based on criteria such as visa-free travel, OECD membership, high GDP per capita, and migration data.

However, the Employers of Poland association has raised concerns, arguing that the project primarily benefits citizens of wealthy nations and overlooks a significant portion of individuals who have been legally residing and working in Poland for years. They advocate for extending the silent procedure to foreigners who are already continuing their legal stay and employment in the country, emphasizing the importance of the employer's standing and compliance with obligations.

Employers of Poland also praised the ministry's flexibility in allowing the Council of Ministers to define the list of countries eligible for simplified procedures. They further suggest that the Council of Ministers should also be able to specify particular groups of foreigners who qualify for these streamlined processes. The association believes the 60-day rule for silent approval should apply more broadly.