flash news
On 7 January, the president signed two amendments that are significant for employers and employees. The Act of 4 December 2025 eases certain formal requirements in the Labour Code, whilst the changes of 18 December 2025 concern the Social Insurance Institution's (ZUS) adjudication system and the rules on sick leave.
A regulation of the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration came into force on 1 January 2026 extending until 30 June 2026 the period during which Belarusian citizens can apply for a Polish travel document for foreigners.
What does this mean in practice?
- Who can benefit from this solution? Belarusian citizens who do not have a passport or other valid travel document, but who have:
- a temporary residence permit (regardless of the basis for its issuance),
- a permanent residence permit,
- an EU long-term residence permit,
- a residence permit on humanitarian grounds
- or subsidiary protection.
- No fees – Belarusian citizens are still not required to pay a fee for a Polish travel document for foreigners.
- Simplified procedure – the Office for Foreigners indicates that it is still possible to obtain a travel document without having to prove that it is impossible to acquire a passport from the authorities of the country of origin.
This solution is intended to ensure that Belarusian citizens have access to a document enabling them to travel in situations where it is impossible to renew their passport at the consulate.
In 2026, the annual working time will increase by 16 hours compared to 2025 (2,008 hours vs. 1,992 hours). This will have a direct impact on shift planning, payroll budgeting and working time limits within settlement periods. July is a particularly important month as it has the highest number of working hours in the year (184 hours). Incorrect planning could result in overtime at the scheduling stage.
As of 1 January 2026, rules for determining employment length in the public sector will change and have significant implications for employers. Employment length will include not only periods of employment under an employment contract, but also other forms of professional activity, provided that they are properly documented (in particular, by certificates issued by the Social Insurance Institution – ZUS). The law has not introduced any time limits, which means that earlier periods of professional activity may also be counted toward employment length.
In 2002, Locatrans, a transport company based in Luxembourg, employed a French national as a driver, whose employment contract was governed by Luxembourg law. The driver initially worked in various European countries, but over time began to carry out transport mainly in France, which in 2014 resulted in the obligation to register the driver in the French social security system. In the same year, after refusing to reduce the driver’s working hours, Locatrans terminated the driver's contract.
The Senate has made amendments to the reform of medical certification in the Social Insurance Institution which are intended to streamline the process of certifying incapacity for work.