The Polish so-called “anti-crisis shield” (The Act of 31 March 2020 amending the Act on special solutions related to the prevention and eradication of COVID-19, other infectious diseases and crisis situations caused by them, as well as some other acts) has introduced a series of legal solutions aimed at solving the problems caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemic for the legality of foreign citizens staying and working in Poland. The new regulations are in force as of 31 March 2020.

The Polish so-called “anti-crisis shield” proposal assumes changes in a number of legislative acts, including the provisions governing the stay of foreigners on the territory of Poland. Among other things, these changes are necessary because of the limited activities of the authorities responsible for receiving and processing applications for residence permits as well as restrictions in cross-border traffic.

Among other changes, the proposal assumes an amendment to the Act on Foreigners as regards the deadline for submitting applications for residence permits.