Poland Proposes Major Migration Overhaul with Annual Work Visa Caps and Deportation Service
- Xavi
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
WARSAW, August 19, 2026 — Former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and the Rozwój Plus parliamentary club have unveiled a sweeping migration policy reform, proposing annual caps on work visas, a dedicated deportation service modeled on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and mandatory assimilation requirements including Polish language studies under threat of deportation .
The document, titled "The Safest Country in the World: A Project for Polish Migration Management Policy," represents one of the most comprehensive migration reform proposals in Poland's recent history.
Key Proposals at a Glance
Proposal | Details |
Annual Work Visa Cap | 35,000–50,000 new work visas per year for non-EU citizens |
Deportation Service | New specialized agency modeled on U.S. ICE, with uniforms and dedicated enforcement powers |
Digital Immigrant Account | Centralized profile tracking legal status, employment, taxes, and social security contributions |
Deportation Alert System | Automatic deportation trigger upon serious legal violations |
Mandatory Assimilation | Compulsory Polish language and culture studies under threat of deportation |
Migration Minister | New cabinet position for Migration and Assimilation |
Schengen Suspension | Possible temporary suspension of Poland's Schengen participation at land borders |
The Five Pillars of the Proposal
1. Encouraging Return of Polish Emigrants
The plan includes two programs to reverse Poland's brain drain :
"Return to Poland" : 50% income tax reduction for five years, plus housing and loan benefits for returning emigrants
"Stay in Poland" : Tax and housing incentives for Poles aged 25–35
2. Strengthening Border Control and Migration Governance
The proposal calls for a dedicated Minister for Migration and Assimilation and enhanced border controls, including possible temporary suspension of Schengen participation at land borders .
3. Annual Work Visa Limits
The proposal would impose a cap of 35,000 to 50,000 new work visas annually for citizens of non-EU countries . According to Art. 114a of Poland's Foreigners Act, the Interior Minister may already set annual limits on temporary residence and work permits, although this authority is only exercised under specific circumstances .
4. Digital Immigrant Profile and Deportation Service
A Digital Immigrant Account would centralize data on each foreign national's legal status, employment history, and tax contributions . The proposal also envisions a Dedicated Deportation Service, modeled on the U.S. ICE, to enforce removal orders .
5. "Unconditional Assimilation"
The fifth pillar, described as "unconditional assimilation", would require all immigrants to study Polish language and European culture under threat of deportation .
"As Angela Merkel once mentioned, the focus isn't on multiculturalism but on complete and forceful assimilation. Our concern is national unity and the identity of Poles."— Mateusz Morawiecki
Political Context and Reactions
Criticism from the Current Government
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński dismissed the proposals as "pure populism" :
"Morawiecki announces the establishment of a deportation service. When he was in power, he did nothing. The border with Belarus was leaking like a sieve; Polish visas were being handed out without any checks. They couldn't even deport those who broke the law. We've altered that, and Morawiecki's proposals are simply populist."
Timeline
Rozwój Plus intends to consult on the project and prepare its final version ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections .
Related News
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Very much to pass on my amms call aka stand with us