Following week-long spot inspections in southern Poland, the Karpacki Border Guard issued six return orders to foreign nationals who had overstayed visas or entered the country without valid documents. Those affected include citizens of Vietnam, Indonesia, Kenya and Colombia who were found working or residing in Kraków, Kielce and Zakopane without a legal basis. They now face entry bans ranging from six months to one year across the entire Schengen Area. The 15-19 September operation saw officers visit small manufacturing firms, ethnic restaurants and private accommodation. Out of 40 individuals screened, eight were detained for further proceedings, while the remainder were advised on how to regularise their status. The Border Guard noted an uptick in cases where foreigners incorrectly believe that filing (but not yet receiving) a residence-permit application allows unlimited stay—a misconception HR teams should address when relocating staff. From a corporate-compliance standpoint the inspections underscore the importance of monitoring pending residence-permit renewals. Employers are obliged to keep copies of valid permits on file and must cease work assignments immediately once documents lapse. Failure to do so can trigger fines of up to PLN 30,000 per employee under the Act on the Employment of Foreigners. The Border Guard signalled that similar sweeps will expand to Małopolskie’s logistics hubs next month. Companies with a high share of third-country nationals—especially those rotating staff through neighbouring Slovakia or Czechia—should conduct internal audits to verify entry stamps and continuity of lawful stay.
Source: Karpacki Border Guard
