Poland Tightens Visa Rules Amid Cash-for-Visas Scandal

Poland is implementing stricter visa regulations following a scandal involving the previous government's cash-for-visa scheme, which resulted in significant financial losses. The investigation revealed that Polish consulates in Asia and Africa were involved in issuing visas in exchange for large sums of money, with thousands of visas granted unlawfully between 2018 and early 2024. The Supreme Audit Office's report highlighted 46 irregularities, including corruption and lack of oversight, particularly during the tenure of former Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau. The foreign minister, Radek Sikorski, announced that the vetting process for visa applicants will be intensified, especially for student visas, to prevent misuse. The report also indicated that unlawful pressure was exerted on consuls to increase visa issuance, including to individuals from the Russian Federation. This situation has prompted the government to reassess its immigration policies, with Prime Minister Donald Tusk set to unveil a new strategy to combat illegal migration. The previous administration's cash-for-visa system contradicted its stated anti-migrant stance, leading to a significant number of visas issued to individuals who paid exorbitant fees. The audit revealed that one agency alone issued over 4,200 visas during the investigation period, with applicants paying as much as 30,000 zlotys. Prosecutors have charged several individuals, including a former deputy foreign minister, as investigations continue. Overall, the tightening of visa regulations aims to restore integrity to Poland's immigration system and address the flaws that allowed such a scandal to occur, ensuring that future visa applications are handled with greater transparency and accountability.