12.07.2021: The Situation of Belarusians in Poland

After the last presidential elections in Belarus more and more people have decided to voluntarily, or by force, leave their homeland due to the current political situation.

A significant increase in the number of arriving Belarusians has been observed in Poland over the period of the last two years. Most of them are holders of the residence card and the Pole’s Card (more than 20 thousand) because of their Polish ancestry. While seeking refuge in Poland, from August 2020 to March 2021, 630 Belarusians applied for international protection and are undergoing the refugee procedure now. Currently, around 10 thousand Belarusian citizens hold the temporary residence card, which in most cases was issued due to the performed work. After the number of employees at Polish diplomatic facilities in Belarus had decreased, the Polish government had to accept a solution granting the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs the authority to process visa applications. Applications have to be submitted at Visa Application Centres or Polish consular offices in Belarus.

Each foreigner can apply for a visa to reside in Poland, and the citizens of Belarus can additionally stay in Poland based on a humanitarian visa. To do that, foreigners have to apply through a Consulate or an Embassy of the Republic of Poland at one of the Visa Application Centres (in person or by mail). The visa alone is free of charge, however the cost of services at the Centre comes to around 11 euro. The filled out application with a picture has to include your passport with 2 blank pages issued in the last 10 years, valid at least 3 months after the validity of the visa ends, and medical insurance valid for the period of the visa validity. Humanitarian visa is issued for the period of 365 days. The amended act on foreigners allows Belarusians staying in Poland to seek employment on the basis of the humanitarian visa.