Poland: A Place of Opportunity, Responsibility and Cultural Adaptation

Poland, to me, is more than a country where I have worked. It is a place that has given me opportunities for personal and professional development, both in manual and administrative positions. Without a doubt, it is a country where people can build a good life, experience peace and learn to adapt to different cultures.

That is why, when I hear about the new regulations affecting foreign workers—particularly Colombians, Venezuelans and Georgians—I believe it is important to look at the situation from different perspectives.

Many people from these countries did not come to Poland simply because they wanted to leave their own countries. In many cases, they came because Polish companies needed their skills and services. They responded to employment opportunities offered through employers, recruitment agencies and intermediaries.

Another important issue is bureaucracy. The complexity of government procedures and the lack of clear information often make it difficult for foreign workers to manage the main administrative processes on their own. As a result, they have to look for external support. Unfortunately, some workers may fall into the hands of dishonest intermediaries, scammers or individuals who charge excessive amounts of money without providing reliable assistance.

This situation becomes even more complex when we consider that many foreign workers arrive in Poland with debts and financial obligations in their home countries. They may have paid recruitment fees, borrowed money to travel or made financial commitments based on the promise of stable employment. However, this aspect is rarely discussed when the situation of foreign workers is analyzed.

Poland has opened its doors to workers from different parts of the world, but the recruitment process must be complete, transparent and responsible. Employers and agencies should verify candidates’ qualifications, employment history, legal documentation and, where legally permitted, relevant background information. They should also ensure that workers are physically and psychologically prepared for the conditions of the job, without discrimination or stigmatization.

When recruitment is poorly conducted, the consequences affect everyone. Workers may arrive without sufficient information, employers may receive candidates who do not match the position, and society may face additional tensions. These failures should not be attributed automatically to an entire nationality or culture. They should be investigated as possible weaknesses in recruitment, due diligence, communication and supervision.

Some foreign workers may have breached the law, but not necessarily because they intended to do so. Many trusted the information and guidance provided by their employers. When a company tells a worker that the documents and procedures are correct, the worker often has no practical way to question that information, especially when dealing with a foreign legal and administrative system.

At the same time, many other foreign workers have complied with the regulations because they were supported by responsible employers. These companies prepared the necessary legal and administrative framework and created the conditions required for their employees to work and live in Poland properly.

I am also concerned when politicians or media outlets create a negative image of foreign workers without carrying out a complete investigation. Public debate should not be based on prejudice against other cultures, families or people who are simply looking for a better and healthier future. Problems must be acknowledged, but they should be analyzed individually and supported by reliable evidence.

For this reason, I believe responsibility should be examined carefully and fairly. It is not always correct to assume that every foreign worker who faces an irregularity deliberately broke the law. In some cases, the real problem may be a lack of accurate information, inadequate guidance, exploitation by intermediaries or an employer’s failure to fulfill its responsibilities.

Foreign workers, employers and recruitment agencies all have an important role to play. Workers must seek reliable information, while companies and agencies must provide transparent guidance, conduct responsible recruitment and ensure that employment and residence procedures are properly managed.

Poland has given many foreigners the opportunity to develop, work and contribute to its economy. The best way to protect this relationship is through legality, responsibility, respect and clear communication between all parties.

This is my personal opinion, based on my experience as a foreign worker and on my observation of the labor market in Poland.

Brandon Rodriguez
Head of services HM