WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland is tightening its visa rules as investigations into the alleged cash-for-visa scandal have confirmed irregularities under the previous right-wing government that cost state coffers millions of dollars, the country’s foreign minister says. the European Union. said Thursday.
Radek Sikorski said it will now be much more difficult to obtain a visa for Poland, a document that gives access to unlimited travel within Europe’s border-free Schengen zone, and that vetting of applicants will be intensified. For example, student visa applications will be scrutinized to prevent situations where they were only used as a means of entering Europe.
On Thursday, the state Supreme Audit Office released the report of its investigation into the Foreign Ministry, confirming last year’s media accusations that Polish consulates in Asia and Africa took thousands of dollars for each work visa, against regulations. One of the most egregious examples involved visas for dozens of farmers from India, described in their documents as Bollywood filmmakers.
The ministry lost control of the visa system, especially in the years 2018-2023, Sikorski told a news conference.
“We can confirm that, unfortunately, unlawful pressure was shamefully exerted on Polish consuls with the intention of increasing the number of visas issued to people… who should not necessarily obtain them, including the citizens of the Russian Federation,” Sikorski said.
Earlier this year, Sikorski’s first response to the scandal was to increase visa fees, which used to be among the cheapest in Europe and attracted migrants from Asia and Africa seeking entry to Europe through Poland. The cash-for-visa system was developed under the previous Law and Justice government, in stark contrast to its anti-migrant policies and statements.
The report released on Thursday said that between 2018 and early 2024, thousands of visas were issued to people who paid large sums to agencies working with Polish consulates.
One agency alone issued more than 4,200 visas between January 1, 2018 and March 29, 2024. Some applicants paid as much as 30,000 zloty ($7,600; euro 7,000), according to the auditors.
The audit office is considering whether the case should be brought to the public prosecutor’s office.
