Poland is enforcing stricter visa regulations following investigations into a cash-for-visas scandal involving the previous right-wing government, which reportedly led to significant financial losses for the country. The European Union nation’s foreign minister, Radek Sikorski, announced on Thursday that there will be enhanced scrutiny in the visa application process, making it more challenging to obtain visas for Poland. This move comes after probes confirmed irregularities that cost the public purse millions of dollars.
Sikorski highlighted that the vetting process for visa applicants will be intensified, with a particular focus on student visa applications to prevent misuse of visas for entry into Europe. The state Supreme Audit Office’s report revealed that Polish consulates in Asia and Africa had accepted thousands of dollars in exchange for work visas, breaching regulations. One striking example involved Indian farmers being falsely described as Bollywood filmmakers on their visa documents.
The foreign ministry acknowledged a lack of oversight over the visa system, especially during the years 2018-2023. Sikorski denounced the scandalous exertion of improper influence on Polish consuls to increase visa issuance, even to individuals who did not meet the necessary criteria, including citizens of the Russian Federation. Initially responding to the scandal earlier this year, Sikorski raised visa fees, which were previously among the cheapest in Europe and had attracted migrants from Asia and Africa seeking entry into Europe through Poland.
The cash-for-visa scheme was established under the Law and Justice government, contradicting its anti-migrant policies and public statements. According to the recently released report, thousands of visas were issued between 2018 and early 2024 to individuals who paid substantial sums to agencies collaborating with Polish consulates. An audit revealed that one agency alone issued over 4,200 visas during this period, with some applicants paying up to 30,000 zlotys ($7,600; euro 7,000).
The audit chamber is now considering whether to escalate the case to prosecutors for further investigation. This scandal has shed light on systemic issues within the visa issuance process in Poland, prompting the government to implement more stringent measures to prevent future abuses and protect the integrity of the visa system.