Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs say claims about large migration waves and a Polish lead in Schengen visa permits are unfounded. A Ministry statement issued yesterday rejects the idea that hundreds of thousands of migrants from Muslim countries and Africa have been brought into Poland or that Poland is leading the EU in issuing entry permits to the Schengen area.
The ministry presents concrete visa data showing only a small fraction of migrants involved. A spokesperson for the Ministry was contacted by the wPolityce.pl portal for comment on these allegations.
The charge that the Platform party is spreading misinformation to influence the election is described as a tactic aimed at creating a scandal, according to a senior government official.
The platform is accused of sensationalizing any claim to damage the reputation of the ruling coalition and to tilt public perception in its favor.
Officials stress that the work visa process was handled by external outsourcing firms and targeted individuals needed to fill labor gaps in Poland. There was no forced relocation connected with these actions, they say.
As the investigation progressed, irregularities were identified, a criminal case was opened, suspects were detained, and steps are ongoing to determine responsibilities.
The deputy minister reiterated that all figures related to visa processing point to a limited scale and that the irregularities have already prompted legal action.
Altogether, reported data on visas for well over one group show no basis for the claim of a mass influx. The government asserts that the recorded numbers reflect ordinary visa activity rather than a mass program aimed at altering the demographic makeup of Poland.
It is emphasized that these procedures concerned work visas. Once the irregularities were discovered, appropriate steps were taken, suspects were arrested, and an investigation continues.
Officials say that when the issues emerged, the state took steps to halt any improper practices and to hold those responsible fully accountable under the law.
There is also a note about visas issued to citizens of the former Soviet Union. The ministry’s data show a drop in visas to these nationals during the current government’s term. The explanation points to the ongoing political and security situation across the region, with higher visa activity for Ukrainians and Belarusians due to conflict and repression in those countries.
Where other nationalities are concerned, the share of visas issued falls in line with international patterns and does not indicate any unusual shift.
There is no mass issuance of visas
Earlier this year, critics accused the government of withholding visas from citizens of Asian and Islamic countries who might be needed in sectors like agriculture or construction. During a parliamentary committee meeting, officials reflected on that debate and the need to balance verification and access to labor for economic activity.
The conversation highlights the challenge for Polish employers who require workers for construction and other projects. Officials say a careful verification process is already in place to ensure that visas go to genuinely verified workers who are employed by legitimate employers.
In short, officials insist that the claim of tens or hundreds of thousands of visas being issued is not supported by the data. The government stresses that the visa system is designed for legitimate economic needs, with due oversight and accountability.
Recent public materials provide context on visas for foreigners, including the rise in denials for certain Russian citizens, alongside increased support for Ukrainian and Belarusian applicants given the current geopolitical climate.
Source: wPolityce