Poland tightens visa rules as probe confirms previous government’s visa abuse scandal

WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Poland is tightening its visa rules as an investigation into alleged visa fraud confirmed irregularities under the previous right-wing government that cost the public coffers millions of dollars, the European Union country’s foreign minister said. . said Thursday.

Radek Sikorski said that it will be more difficult now to get a Polish visa, a document that gives access to unlimited travel in the borderless Schengen area of ​​Europe, and the examination of applicants will be strengthened. For example, student visa applications will be processed to prevent situations where they have been used as a means of entry into Europe.

On Thursday the High Financial Audit Office released its investigation report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and confirmed the allegations made by the media last year that Polish ambassadors in Asia and Africa took thousands of dollars for each work visa, against the regulations. One of the worst examples involved the visas of a number of farmers from India, described in their documents as Bollywood film producers.

The department has failed to control the visa program, especially for the years 2018-2023, Sikorski told a news conference.

“We can confirm that, unfortunately, in a shameful way, illegal pressure was used on Polish consuls with the aim of increasing the number of visas given to people … who should not receive them, including citizens of the Russian Federation,” said Sikorski.

Earlier this year, Sikorski’s first reaction to the scandal was to raise visa fees, which used to be among the cheapest in Europe and attract migrants from Asia and Africa who want to enter Europe via Poland. The cash-for-visa program was developed under the previous Law and Justice government, in stark contrast to anti-immigrant policies and statements.

A report released on Thursday said that between 2018 and early 2024, thousands of visas were granted to people who paid exorbitant fees to organizations working with Polish embassies.

One agency alone issued more than 4,200 visas between Jan. 1, 2018 and March 29, 2024. Some applicants paid about 30,000 zlotys ($7,600; 7,000 euros), according to auditors.

The Audit Chamber is considering whether to refer the case to the prosecution.