The report was commissioned by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy (MRPiPS). It provides an overview of the functioning of the free movement of workers (FMW) in Poland from the perspective of mobile workers from EU member states, institutions, and employers. It is based on a study using mixed methods, including an online survey (N=63) and in-depth interviews with mobile workers (N=22) and representatives of institutions and stakeholders (N=21).
The report identifies key barriers and experiences of migrant workers and formulates recommendations.
The influx of EU workers to Poland is still small, although its significance is gradually growing. EU workers often find employment in specialized professions that require high skills and are difficult to find on the local labor market. The results show that despite formal equality of rights, EU citizens encounter barriers in Poland.
Among the key barriers mentioned by respondents were:
- lack of knowledge of the Polish language (63.8%)
- problems understanding regulations and documents (51.7%)
- lack of support from state institutions (36.2%)
- difficulties with housing and formal matters (12.1%)
- experience of unfriendly treatment (17.2%)
At the same time, 17.2% of respondents did not encounter any difficulties.
The report proposes four main courses of action aimed at increasing Poland’s attractiveness to EU citizens and improving their integration:
- Building Poland’s brand as an attractive place to live and work: Promotional and informational initiatives should be launched to dispel outdated stereotypes and raise awareness of Poland as a modern country with good employment conditions and a high quality of life. It is recommended that a single, comprehensive, multilingual website be created (supported by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Polish Tourist Organization, and other entities).
- Simplification and standardization of communication with EU citizens: It is necessary to introduce a minimum standard of service in English in key public institutions. In addition, clear and understandable information (in simple language) should be prepared on labor law and social security instruments (PPK, PPE, family benefits), and a single central website or application should be created as a source of step-by-step information.
- Supporting employers in the integration and development of intercultural competences: It is recommended to undertake educational and promotional activities that will help employers recognize the potential of EU employees and disseminate good practices (e.g., relocation packages, buddy programs).
- Working on social climate and narrative: In order to counteract polarization and attitudes of hostility towards migrants, it is necessary to promote a positive image of mobile workers in society and to develop intercultural competence and communication in the workplace, involving local authorities, schools, and employers in these activities.
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