Government approves draft law on employing foreigners
The Polish government approved a draft law on the conditions for employing foreigners in Poland.
"The previous regulations concerning the employment of foreigners in Poland were created 20 years ago and are no longer suited to current realities. Therefore, new comprehensive regulations are needed to address foreigners’ access to the Polish labour market," the government statement read.
Key measures include stricter penalties for illegal employment of foreigners. Breaching the rules will result in fines ranging from PLN 3,000 (EUR 704) to PLN 50,000 (EUR 11,732) for each case of illegal employment.
Under the proposed changes, the provincial governor will be able to refuse to issue a work permit to an employer who, for instance, "does not conduct activities justifying the employment of a foreigner during a given period or primarily operates to facilitate foreigners' entry into Poland."
"Full digitalisation of the procedure for issuing work permits for foreigners will be introduced - from submitting the application to receiving the decision," the statement said.
The regulations also provide for the implementation of integration programmes for foreigners, such as assistance with learning Polish.
These measures are set to come into force on the first day of the month following 14 days from their publication in the Journal of Laws. (PAP)
mj/