Inspection Reveals Poland's MFA Issued Schengen Visas Without Adequate Oversight
Key Takeaways
1. A Supreme Audit Office inspection revealed that Poland issued Schengen visas without adequate supervision.
2. The President of the Audit Office described the findings in a 360-page report as "serious."
3. Since the visa scandal broke last summer, Poland has implemented stricter measures.
An inspection by Poland's Supreme Audit Office has uncovered that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued Schengen visas without proper oversight.
The investigation began on October 4, 2023, following a visa scandal in Poland. President of the Supreme Audit Office, Marian Banaś, recently stated that the audit resulted in a 360-page report, highlighting significant supervisory failures in the visa issuance process.
"There is one conclusion: lack of supervision over the issuance of visas and the activities of consulates. The findings are serious," said Banaś.
Banaś added that once all legal actions are finalized, a comprehensive conference will be held to reveal the details of the visa irregularities.
The visa scandal, which surfaced last summer, led to the dismissal of the former deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Piotr Wawrzyk, in August 2023, along with other officials. Poland has since tightened several rules.
Poland Cuts Work Visas by 33%
In an effort to recover from the scandal, Poland has reduced the number of work visas issued by its consulates by one-third.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported in June that the number of work visas granted to non-EU nationals has been significantly reduced. Visa rules for those visiting family members working in Poland have also been tightened.
A Polish consul noted that the situation has improved, with no current irregularities and stricter enforcement ensuring that only those meeting all requirements can obtain a visa. Following the scandal, Poland has also imposed stricter rules for student visas.