Officials discussed visa limits set each year, noting a plan that would cap visas at around 400,000. It was indicated that roughly 260,000 could come from Belarus, with an additional 80,000 from Ukraine, and the remainder from other countries, not solely from Muslim nations. This was stated by Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau during a radio interview when the topic of alleged irregularities in issuing visas to foreigners was raised.
Revelations from Gazeta Wyborcza
Gazeta Wyborcza reported that the Polish Foreign Ministry might have allowed hundreds of thousands of migrants into Europe, while Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki noted the resignation of Deputy Minister Piotr Wawrzyk as tied to an internal ministry investigation. The newspaper suggested a major corruption scandal connected to visa facilitation for temporary workers from about twenty countries, including several from Muslim-majority regions, and claimed officials discussed processing up to 400,000 workers. The piece also alleged that recruitment firms outside Poland played a role in increasing migrant inflows.
Wyborcza claimed that Wawrzyk oversaw consular and visa matters and allegedly authored the draft regulation that would ease visa rules for temporary workers from multiple nations. The daily suggested that the influx of tens of thousands of migrants to Europe could be linked to this draft and to external recruitment networks. It also noted that in 2022 there were around 200,000 migrants in Poland, including a sizable share from Muslim-majority countries.
On August 31, the Prime Minister dismissed Wawrzyk from his post as Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, citing a lack of satisfactory cooperation. A subsequent press conference addressed questions about the dismissal and reports tying it to anti-corruption investigations. The Prime Minister indicated that investigations were ongoing and that relevant services could provide information if appropriate. A spokesperson framed the dismissal as a move to restore transparency and address any lingering doubts.
Transparency and honesty were emphasized as guiding principles. It was stated that any irregularities would be investigated openly, with the matter explained once clarified. The Prime Minister stressed the goal of removing any doubts surrounding the appointments and procedures.
The great visa concern? A skeptical view
In a response published on a political website, the Public Prosecutor’s Office denied the information shared by Gazeta Wyborcza and other opposition materials about visa irregularities. The office asserted that the practice in question is smaller in scope and that some migration directions cited by critics were inconsistent. The publication claimed that some opposition materials presented manipulated narratives about the issue.
Readers were reminded that the visa granting process does not guarantee entry to Poland. When questioned about claims that up to 350,000 visas could be issued to migrants from Africa and the Middle East, the Minister asserted that such numbers were not credible and emphasized that a visa is a permission to apply for entry, not a guaranteed admission. Rejections for certain countries, such as Nigeria, Pakistan, and India, were noted as evidence that visa issuance does not equate to automatic entry. The minister highlighted that border decisions rest with security authorities.
There was also mention of discussions about alleged places where visas could be purchased near Polish missions. While not reflecting any formal policy, the dialogue acknowledged outsourcing aspects in visa processing that had roots dating back to a 2011 change when many visa-issuing branches were closed and external contractors were used through tenders.
Morocco earthquake update
According to the Polish Consular Service, there were no Polish casualties among the victims or the injured following the earthquake in Morocco. The disaster, which struck near Marrakech, caused significant loss of life and damage. The head of the Foreign Ministry noted that consular reports confirmed no Polish victims and stressed ongoing monitoring of the situation.
The epicenter was in the Al Haouz province at a depth of about 18.5 kilometers. Ongoing coverage highlighted the loss of many lives and the broader humanitarian response being organized by international partners.
Upcoming electoral preparations
Plans were announced to implement a regulation on foreign voting circuits, with authorities stating that more than 400 election commissions would be established for abroad voting. Poland’s Sejm and Senate elections are scheduled for October 15. The Foreign Ministry indicated that additional preparations would be in place for citizens voting from abroad, including the introduction of an electronic registration system that would facilitate overseas participation over the two weeks leading up to the election. Officials acknowledged that some votes might still be lost and that extra personnel could be mobilized as needed to ensure smooth operations abroad.
The ministry noted that the e-voting system would be activated ahead of the election and would allow citizens living abroad to register their intent to vote during the two-week window before Election Day. The aim was to prevent any gaps in coverage and ensure a robust and transparent process for citizens overseas.
Rau responds to media reports
The interview also touched on the matter of the dismissed Deputy Foreign Minister and questions about potential ambassadorial nominations. The minister rejected any notion of coercion or blackmail against state leaders and underscored the complexity and length of selecting ambassadors. He stressed that any serious misconduct would be investigated without favor and affirmed that no one, including himself, would engage in compromising the presidency. He also stated that he was not aware of any communications between the dismissed deputy and the president. The dialogue reinforced a commitment to lawful, transparent processes in diplomatic appointments.
In closing, Rau reiterated the importance of safeguarding the integrity of foreign policy work and ensuring that institutional processes are respected and followed.