Poland will complicate the procedure for obtaining a ‘Pole’s card’: what Ukrainian refugees need to know
Poland’s migration policy has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly in the context of attracting persons of Polish origin and supporting citizens from neighboring countries. One of the most influential tools of this strategy was the “Polish card”, which enables people of Polish origin living outside Poland to receive benefits for residence, work, education and even citizenship. However, over time, this document became the subject of numerous abuses, which prompted the Polish authorities to introduce changes aimed at strengthening control and complicating the process of obtaining it.
The government of Donald Tusk will make changes to the migration strategy, which should be “a response to reports of abuses in the process of repatriation and the issuance of “Poles’ cards”. This is written by the Polish publication Republic. In particular, cases of falsification of documents to confirm Polish origin in order to facilitate migration to Poland and acquisition of Polish citizenship were found. In this article, we will consider the main aspects of this problem, the consequences for foreigners who already have or plan to get a “Polish card”, as well as the prospects for the development of Poland’s migration policy.
Key aspects of abuse and the need for change
According to Polish analysts, the frequency of using forged documents to obtain a “Polish card” has increased in recent years. In practice, to obtain this document, the applicant must prove the presence of relatives of Polish nationality in the direct ascending line: it can be a mother, father, grandfather or grandmother, or even great-grandmother and great-grandfather. Also, applicants who have actively participated in the activities of Polish organizations for at least three years were able to obtain this document without confirming their Polish origin. However, according to a June 2022 study by the Center for Migration Studies, out of 162,000 issued cards, only less than 7,000 were received by people who did not have a confirmed Polish origin.
Strengthening the requirements for obtaining a “Polish card”
- Change of conditions for submission of documents
Poland plans to strengthen the requirements for submitting documents confirming Polish origin. This will include a thorough review of genealogical documents to minimize the possibility of fraud. The possibility of requiring applicants to undergo additional checks at local levels is also being considered. - The return of mandatory knowledge of the Polish language
The innovations, which provide for mandatory knowledge of the Polish language for holders of the “Polish card”, have become another step in the direction of strengthening the requirements. The language barrier can significantly affect the process of integration of applicants, since the level of language proficiency is an important factor for understanding the cultural and social values of Poland. - Difficulty in obtaining citizenship
Holders of the “Polish card” previously had easier access to obtaining Polish citizenship. However, it is now planned to add additional checks and requirements to this procedure, which will complicate the path to a Polish passport for many potential migrants.
Statistics and social consequences
To date, more than 206,000 people are holders of the “Polish card”, among whom a significant share is made up of citizens of Ukraine and Belarus. It is expected that the tightening of requirements could have a significant impact on migration flows from these countries, as they are the largest groups applying for the “Polish card”. Such changes may lead to a decrease in the number of new applicants, particularly those who planned to move for economic reasons or in search of safety in the face of political instability.
What is a “Polish card”
This document does not give the right to citizenship of the European Union, as a Polish passport does. However, holders of the “Pole’s Card” have a number of benefits and privileges. Since 2022, Ukrainians have been allowed to receive it directly in Poland, as evidenced by the relevant government order. According to the new rules, citizens of Ukraine who meet the necessary criteria can apply for obtaining or extending the validity of this document while staying directly on the territory of Poland. Until now, submission was possible only through Polish consulates in Ukraine.
The process of obtaining a “Polish card”
To start the process, you should contact a voivodship in Poland to make an appointment. Further steps include the following:
- Submission of application and documents. Fill out the application and submit the necessary documents (passport of a citizen of Ukraine, foreign passport, photo, evidence of Polish origin). These can be the original documents of your ancestors, which confirm the nationality of “Poles”.
- Interview. You will be invited to an interview in Polish, during which your knowledge of the language, history of Poland and its cultural traditions will be tested.
- Signing the Declaration. After passing the interview, it is necessary to sign a declaration of belonging to the Polish people.
Basic requirements for candidates for the “Polish card”
Before applying, it’s important to make sure you meet the following criteria:
- Lack of a Polish passport, residence permit or permanent residence in Poland;
- The ability to confirm the connection with the Polish nation (knowledge of the basics of Polish history, culture, traditions and language);
- The presence of Polish roots or active activity in organizations of the Polish minority in Ukraine for three years or more;
- Your ancestors were not repatriated according to the 1944-1957 agreements between Poland and the Soviet republics.
The process of obtaining a “Polish card” lasts about two months from the moment of submission of the application, and the registration is free of charge. The validity of the card is 10 years from the date of its issuance.
The proposed changes in the migration strategy of the Polish government are a reflection of the general tendency to strengthen control over immigration processes in Europe. Strengthening the requirements for issuing a “Polish card” aims to prevent fraud and ensure that people who receive this status have genuine Polish roots and can easily integrate into Polish society. However, the innovations may have serious social consequences for foreigners, especially for those who consider Poland as a country for permanent residence or escape from political oppression.
