The Nadbużański Border Guard confirmed on 30 June that two foreign nationals – a Ukrainian and a Colombian – have been removed from Polish territory after serving prison sentences for drink-driving offences. Following their release from a Zamość correctional facility, officers immediately initiated administrative deportation and issued five-year re-entry bans covering Poland and the entire Schengen Area. The expulsion reflects Poland’s hardened stance on public-order offences committed by temporary residents. Amendments to the Foreigners Act in 2024 streamlined procedures so that non-EU citizens convicted of serious traffic crimes can be deported within 48 hours of completing their sentence. Employers that hold work-permit sponsorships for foreign drivers or logistics staff must now file compliance reports within seven days of any conviction or face fines of up to PLN 30,000. From a mobility-programme perspective the case is a cautionary tale: personal conduct off the clock can instantly void residence titles and trigger Schengen-wide bans that derail long-term assignments. Multinationals are increasingly adding safe-driving clauses to expatriate handbooks and partnering with local law firms to run legal-status audits following any criminal proceedings. The Border Guard reiterated that its risk-analysis unit automatically cross-checks police and prison databases with the EES to prevent offenders from re-entering under new passports. Companies should therefore avoid attempting to recycle talent through alternative EU postings without first securing formal rehabilitation or ban-waiver decisions.
Source: Nadbuzanski Border Guard
