Poland’s Border Guard (Straż Graniczna) and Police have wrapped up a 48-hour enforcement operation targeting immigration-status violations across the country. According to the Border Guard’s headquarters, nearly 600 officers fanned out to railway stations, hostels, factories and roadside checks on 12–13 October, conducting more than 1,400 identity and residence-permit inspections. The results, published on 15 October, show 83 foreign nationals taken into custody and 62 return-order proceedings launched. Most of those questioned were Ukrainian (about 530), reflecting Ukraine’s continued share of Poland’s foreign-worker population. Significant numbers of Colombians (≈290) and Bangladeshis (≈80) were also checked. The agency says more than 50 administrative cases were opened over overstays or lapsed visas, while almost 10 individuals were detained on public-security grounds. Although arrests represent a fraction of the 1.2 million non-Poles living and working legally in the country, the campaign highlights Warsaw’s tougher stance on visa fraud and irregular employment. Since April 2026, employers must report within 15 days when a foreign employee loses a job, and work-permit refusal grounds have been widened to cover wage dumping and fictitious job offers. For global-mobility managers the message is clear: ensure staff and contractors carry valid residence cards or passports with up-to-date entry stamps when travelling inside Poland. Spot checks can occur hundreds of kilometres from external borders, and failure to present documents may lead to detention pending verification. Companies sponsoring intra-EU assignments should keep copies of permits on file and be ready to liaise with local authorities if employees are stopped. The Border Guard says similar joint operations will continue through Q4 2026 as part of its “Safe Labour Market” programme. Businesses employing third-country nationals should expect unannounced visits and review internal compliance processes accordingly.
Source: Straż Graniczna – Komenda Główna
