Saturday, 15 March 2025
With fewer Ukrainian workers supporting sectors like logistics, agriculture, and construction, Poland is turning to labor migration from South America and Asia. In 2023, over 275,000 work permits were issued to workers from these regions—five times more than in 2019. Colombians, Nepalese, and Argentinians led the influx, as businesses seek to fill gaps in unskilled labor.
With GDP projected to grow by 3% in 2025 and one of the EU’s lowest unemployment rates, Poland faces a critical challenge: addressing bureaucratic hurdles and integrating migrant workers effectively.
Key Challenges
• Lengthy Processes: Work permits take 3–6 months, delaying access to the labor force.
• Language Barriers: Many migrants lack Polish skills, complicating workplace integration.
• Exploitation Concerns: Rising cases of unfair practices have prompted the government to draft stricter regulations for employment agencies.
“Streamlined visa procedures and stronger integration support are essential to maximize the potential of this new workforce,” said Jakub Kizielewicz, CEO of Opteamic Group.
Poland’s government has proposed new laws to protect foreign workers and ensure stable employment. Outsourcing agencies play a vital role, managing legal formalities, organizing language courses, and supporting cultural adaptation.
The influx of South American workers offers a significant opportunity for Poland’s economy, but success depends on reducing bureaucratic delays, addressing exploitation, and ensuring smoother integration. With these measures, Poland can fully capitalize on this new wave of labor migration in 2025.
Source: Opteamic
Photo: Jakub Kizielewicz, CEO of Opteamic Group
