Prime Minister Donald Tusk has called for the complete sealing of Poland’s borders with Belarus and Russia, citing the need to protect national security and prevent the recurrence of uncontrolled migration. During a parliamentary debate on the government’s resolution to extend restrictions on the right to apply for asylum at the Belarusian border for another 60 days, Tusk emphasized the urgency of safeguarding the border against external threats and smuggling operations.

Tusk stated that one of his government’s first steps was to secure the eastern frontier to prevent a repeat of past border breaches. The current restrictions, introduced in December 2024 and in force until May 26, would be extended as part of a broader strategy to combat illegal migration and respond to what the Prime Minister described as deliberate destabilization efforts by Belarus and Russia.

“This is not just a migration crisis, but a calculated act of hybrid warfare,” said Tusk. He alleged that the governments of Alexander Lukashenko and Vladimir Putin were using migrant flows as tools of pressure, directing them toward Poland, as well as neighboring countries including Finland, Lithuania, and Latvia, in cooperation with smuggling networks.

Tusk underlined the risks faced by Polish personnel stationed at the border, referencing the death of Sergeant Mateusz Sitek, who was fatally wounded near Dubicze Cerkiewne in June 2024. “This conflict has a physical and tragic dimension for our border forces,” he said, insisting that national security must be backed by real and enforceable protections.

To counter the influx of migrants, the government plans to launch an international information campaign targeting countries of origin. The campaign, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to deter prospective migrants by clarifying that illegal border crossings will not result in asylum or settlement in Poland.

The Prime Minister also criticized the previous government’s handling of migration and visa policy. He accused the former administration of enabling widespread abuse through the mass issuance of visas—over half a million in 2023 alone—to individuals from countries considered high-risk for illegal migration. He referred to the scandal as a systemic failure marked by corruption and a lack of oversight. Eleven individuals have been charged in connection with the case.

Tusk denounced what he described as the hypocrisy of his predecessors, claiming they promoted Foreigners’ Integration Centres and later disowned them for political gain. He said the former ruling party created a flawed system, then attempted to shift responsibility once the consequences became politically inconvenient.

Addressing another contentious issue, the Prime Minister criticized the previous administration’s approach to grain imports from Ukraine. He said their failure to control the influx of Ukrainian agricultural products endangered Poland’s domestic market and farmers. In response, the current government negotiated new terms with the European Union, reintroducing pre-war import controls starting 5 June 2025 to safeguard Polish agriculture.

While reaffirming Poland’s continued support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, Tusk stressed that such support must not come at the expense of Polish economic stability. “We will continue to stand with Ukraine, but we also have a duty to protect our own farmers, producers, and consumers,” he said.

Tusk concluded by stating that security, whether in terms of borders, markets, or policy, must be based on action, not declarations. He reiterated his government’s commitment to defending national interests in the face of external and internal challenges.

As labour shortages and financial strain weigh on Polish businesses, many entrepreneurs are turning to foreign workers to stabilise operations and reduce employment costs, according to a new survey by Keralla Research for BIG InfoMonitor.

The data reveals that nearly half of Polish entrepreneurs now employ at least one foreign national, with around 15% expecting their share of foreign workers to increase over the coming year. The construction and transport sectors are among those most reliant on foreign labour, as local hiring becomes increasingly difficult.

“For one in ten businesses, especially in transport and construction, finding new employees has become a top concern,” said Dr Waldemar Rogowski, chief analyst at BIG InfoMonitor. “The lack of qualified workers in Poland is pushing companies to look abroad—not only to fill vacancies, but also to stay competitive in increasingly challenging markets.”

The situation is particularly acute in firms employing between 50 and 249 people, where 14% reported difficulties in recruitment. Among micro and small enterprises, the problem is present in roughly one in eleven companies.

While foreign employees still make up a minority of the workforce in most firms, the numbers are growing. A quarter of surveyed companies said that foreign nationals now represent between 6% and 50% of their total staff—indicating teams of dozens, even hundreds. Most of these workers occupy operational roles, but their presence is becoming integral to business continuity, particularly in sectors where skilled domestic labour is in short supply.

Labour and Economic Pressures Driving Change

Rising inflation, energy and material costs, and slowing sales are compounding the pressure on companies. More than 38% of entrepreneurs cite inflation and general price increases as the biggest challenge this year, while nearly 30% point to the rising cost of raw materials and energy. Other concerns include maintaining financial liquidity (12%), the need to find new markets (16%), and falling revenues.

In this context, employment costs are also coming under scrutiny. Around 25% of business owners say they consider lower wage expectations to be a key advantage of hiring foreign workers. Additionally, demographic changes are shrinking the pool of working-age Poles. According to Poland’s Central Statistical Office, the number of working-age individuals dropped by more than 175,000 in 2024, falling to just under 22 million and accounting for 58.1% of the total population—down from 60.8% in 2000.

“Foreign workers bring not only manpower but also high levels of motivation and dedication,” Rogowski explained. “That’s increasingly important for employers who report difficulties in finding local candidates with the necessary skills and commitment.”

Payments and Liquidity Remain Persistent Challenges

Beyond recruitment, cash flow continues to hinder many Polish firms. More than 56% of entrepreneurs say that late payments from customers are affecting their financial condition. Nearly 80% report that they have contractors who regularly miss payment deadlines, and 46% of companies with deferred payment terms say they are currently waiting more than a month for invoices to be settled. Almost 30% report delays of up to two months.

These liquidity pressures, combined with demographic and economic constraints, are reinforcing the shift towards more flexible and cost-effective employment models. For many companies, that means relying more heavily on foreign labour.

Concerns About the Future

Not all firms see the trend continuing. Among those forecasting a decline in foreign employment, the most common reasons include rising hiring costs and customer preferences for Polish staff—cited by 27.6% of respondents. One in four companies also expressed concerns over increasing geopolitical instability, which may restrict the cross-border movement of workers.

Nevertheless, for a growing number of Polish businesses—particularly in sectors facing acute labour shortages—foreign workers are proving vital in maintaining productivity and adapting to the evolving demands of the national economy.

Source: BIG InfoMonitor