Poland: As of 15 August 2024, Colombians Working in Poland must have A Visa, Regardless of the Length of their Planned Stay

As of August 15, 2024, Colombians working in Poland must have a visa, regardless of the length of their planned stay. Information about this requirement was posted on the government’s website on August 14, much to the surprise of the foreigners and the Polish companies that employ them. Previously, Colombian citizens were allowed to work in Poland without a visa for 90 days after employers/contractors obtained documents legalizing their employment in Poland.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that the decision is aimed at reducing irregularities regarding work performed by Colombians in Poland.

In view of the drastic increase in the number of applications for work permits for Colombian nationals, the numerous cases of their violations of the rules of visa-free travel, and the reported violations of basic labour rights with regard to Colombian nationals performing work in Poland, the decision was made to introduce a visa requirement for Colombian nationals traveling to Poland for work purposes. The visa procedure increases control over migration processes and allows to reduce the occurrence of unlawful phenomena, such as the exploitation of foreign workers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains.