flash news: #foreigners
On 24 June 2023, the Interior Minister regulation concerning the list of certificates of proficiency in Polish which confirm knowledge of the Polish language required for the granting of a long-term EU residence permit will come into force.
On 29 May 2023 the Polish President signed a bill into law[1] that amends what is often called the Ukrainian Special Act[2], and extends till 4 March 2024 the date until when Ukrainian citizens may legally stay in Poland, if they entered the country due to the ongoing war.
The Mazovian Province Authority’s Department of Foreigners’ Affairs is organising a series of Information Saturdays. During the Information Saturdays, one can obtain information on cases that the office is processing (including having individual consultations in particular cases), as well as take part in consultation sessions led by external bodies (foundations).
End of Legal Residency Based on Covid Extensions?
The Ministry of Health envisages the abolition of the state of epidemic threat as of 30 June 2023. This will affect the situation of many foreigners residing in Poland.
Pursuant to the Covid Act (i.e. the Act of 2 March 2020 on Specific Solutions Related to the Prevention, Countering and Combating COVID-19, Other Infectious Diseases and Crisis Situations Caused Thereby), the period of legal residence, the deadlines for leaving the territory of the Republic of Poland and the validity of held residence documents have been extended until the 30th day following the day of cancellation of the current state of epidemic threat.
Poland will extend the period of legal residence for Ukrainian citizens until 4 March 2024
On 14 April 2023, the Sejm (lower house of parliament) adopted a bill (document no. 3133) providing for amendments, inter alia, to the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict in that country.
Work is underway in the European Parliament on introducing electronic documents in the EU visa system, to replace stickers for Schengen visas.
It is also planned to create a uniform online platform for filing visa applications, without the need for the applicant to appear in person at the consulate.