Poland is introducing new laws that will significantly change the employment rules for foreigners, particularly Ukrainians. The country’s President, Andrzej Duda, has signed two important acts aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers in the process of obtaining work permits.
This is reported by Finway
Main Changes in Employment
In particular, the mandatory labor market test is being abolished, which required employers to first search for candidates among unemployed Poles before offering a position to a foreigner. This procedure has been deemed ineffective. Instead, county governors will receive new powers to create lists of professions for which foreigners will not be hired in cases of a tight labor market, but such decisions will only be made in critical situations.
Increased Responsibility for Illegal Employment
The changes also concern the strengthening of responsibility for the illegal employment of foreigners. Fines for one unregistered worker can range from 3,000 to 50,000 zlotys. Compliance with the legislation will be monitored without prior notice, allowing several regulatory bodies to conduct inspections simultaneously.
“These laws are designed to expedite the employment process and reduce abuses in the labor market,” the government stated.
Additionally, the modernization of the unemployment support system includes an increase in the level of assistance for individuals with over 5 years of experience to 100% of the basic salary, rather than 80% as before. Unemployed individuals will no longer be tied to the employment center in their place of registration; it will be sufficient to have their actual place of residence.
Large families and single parents will receive priority in obtaining assistance, and new conditions for caring for children with disabilities have been established. Unemployed individuals will be able to receive training loans, which may be partially forgiven if all conditions are met.
Both laws will come into effect 14 days after publication in the Dziennik Ustaw.