Poland is conducting inspections on IT companies regarding work visas that were issued to foreign specialists but remain unused.
Here are the key points:
1. Polish authorities are conducting inspections on IT companies expecting foreign workers.
2. The inspection follows the discovery that only about 15% of foreign IT specialists granted work visas entered the country.
3. Out of 50 companies, only 30 have provided details on the number of foreign employees issued work visas.
The inspection was prompted by concerns about the large number of work visas issued compared to the low number of arrivals, particularly under the Poland Business Harbour (PBH) Programme. Initially aimed at attracting IT specialists from Belarus, the programme expanded to include other countries. However, suspicions arose when it was found that the number of visas exceeded actual arrivals, prompting investigations by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) and the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA). Data shows that while a significant number of work visas were issued, only a fraction of foreign IT specialists entered Poland. Despite efforts to gather information from companies, only a portion have provided details, and discrepancies persist. Some foreign employees abandoned plans to relocate, citing tax and family concerns, raising questions about the programme's integrity. Poland suspended the PBH Programme due to visa irregularities, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating that it did not meet expectations and will remain suspended until effective verification solutions are found.