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Tengrinews.kz - Poland plans to tighten visa rules, citing the Independent.
Polish authorities intend to tighten visa issuance controls following confirmation of widespread violations in the system. Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski announced this at a press conference.
Poland tightened its visa policy after an investigation revealed years of irregularities in consulate operations. Polish consulates in Asia and Africa had illegally charged thousands of dollars for work visas, contrary to established rules. One example involved issuing visas to Indian farmers who were registered as filmmakers. The violations occurred due to a loss of control over the system from 2018 to 2023.
The Foreign Minister emphasized that the visa application process will become significantly more complicated, and applicant screening will be more stringent. Special attention will be paid to student visa applications to prevent the use of study visas for illegal migration to Europe.
"Now, obtaining a visa to Poland will be much more difficult," stated Sikorski.
It is noted that a Polish visa grants the right to free movement within the Schengen zone, which is why EU countries are particularly interested in tightening control over the issuance process.
The report from the control authority shows that from 2018 to early 2024, agencies collaborating with Polish consulates issued thousands of visas bypassing established procedures. In one case, a single agency issued more than 4,200 visas from January 1, 2018, to March 29, 2024, with some applicants paying up to 30,000 zlotys.
Poland has already increased the cost of visas, which were previously among the cheapest in Europe, and has begun tightening the rules. The authorities are thoroughly reviewing all visas issued during this period and are considering referring cases to the prosecutor's office.
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