Poland: A Migration Paradise for Workers. New Employment Records.

Rzeczpospolita is reporting on a significant shift in Poland's demographic and labor landscape. Once a country known for its own citizens seeking work abroad, Poland has transformed into a magnet for foreign talent. Latest figures from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) reveal that nearly 1.3 million foreigners were legally employed in Poland as of the end of February this year. This represents a new record and a substantial annual increase of over 80,000 workers, underscoring Poland's growing appeal as a destination for employment.

The influx of foreign workers has been notably boosted since 2022 by the arrival of war refugees from Ukraine. These individuals have been granted full access to the Polish labor market, enabling many to find work quickly. While this has addressed labor shortages in various sectors, the departure of Ukrainian men has created challenges in traditionally male-dominated industries. Consequently, there has been an increased demand for workers from other regions, including Asia and Latin America, with a particular rise in individuals from India and Colombia seeking opportunities in Poland.

Despite the diversification of origins, Ukrainians remain the dominant foreign workforce in Poland, accounting for over two-thirds of all legally employed foreigners. Their continued presence and growing professional activity are key drivers behind the recent surge in foreign employment figures recorded by ZUS. Importantly, research indicates a largely positive or neutral sentiment among Polish employees towards their foreign colleagues. A recent survey by Personnel Service found that eight out of ten Polish workers have a favorable or neutral attitude, with 36% expressing positive views. This often stems from direct daily interactions, as 40% of Poles work alongside foreigners and a significant majority (69%) do not fear job displacement.

While migration is a topic of political debate, particularly during election campaigns, Poland has recently established its first Migration Strategy for 2025-2030. Under the banner "Regain Control. Ensure Security," the strategy outlines concrete actions to regulate Polish migration policy. The upcoming European Economic Congress in Katowice will feature a panel discussion on migration policy, bringing together experts, policymakers, and business leaders to assess the impact of recent regulations, discuss the government's current approach, and explore immigration's role in addressing demographic challenges like the rapid aging of Polish society. This focus highlights Poland's proactive approach to managing its evolving labor market and societal composition.