Ukrainians in Poland face monthly employment checks: what is the reason for this?

Poland is introducing monthly checks on the official employment of foreigners, including Ukrainians. The new measures are aimed at combating illegal employment, protecting workers' rights and increasing tax revenues. Find out how the checks will be carried out and what they mean for Ukrainians

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Poland is introducing a new practice — monthly checks on the official employment of foreign citizens, including Ukrainians. These measures are the government's response to the growing number of illegal workers and fictitious employment schemes. Since Ukrainians are the largest category of migrants in the country (over a million people), they will be the focus of the inspectors' attention. This was announced by Maciej Duszczyk, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration of Poland.

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Why control has been tightened

The main purpose of the checks is to combat the ‘grey’ labour market and protect the interests of both the state and the employees themselves. The Polish authorities expect that such measures will:

▪️ reduce the number of cases of work without official contracts;

▪️ detect fraudulent schemes involving fictitious employment;

▪️ increase tax and social security contributions to the budget.

In addition, the Ministry of Social Policy emphasised that the controls will be linked to the ZUS (Social Insurance Fund) system. Every month, an automatic check will be carried out to see whether a foreigner has been officially employed. Social security contributions will only be calculated if an employment relationship is confirmed.

Visit Ukraine's lawyers will help you find legal employment in Europe, guaranteeing the protection of your rights and support at every stage. Get expert advice on paperwork, employment contracts, and dispute resolution to make your career in the EU successful and secure.

Read also: Temporary protection in Poland in 2025: rules of entry and stay

How the checks will be carried out

Labour inspectors will focus on key points:

▪️ the existence of an employment contract or a contract for services;

▪️ the correctness and timeliness of tax and social security contributions;

▪️ working conditions, including schedule, pay and compliance with standards.

Inspections will be regular — once a month. In case of violations, employers and employees themselves face fines, and in case of serious violations — cancellation of work permits or even a ban on entering Poland in the future.

For many Ukrainian migrants who continue to work ‘in the shadows,’ the new system will be a challenge. However, official registration has obvious advantages:

▪️ access to free health insurance;

▪️ the possibility of receiving social benefits in case of illness or accident;

▪️ legal protection in case of labour disputes.

Thus, tighter controls actually encourage Ukrainians to legalise their work and obtain social guarantees.

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Why Poland is paying more attention to Ukrainians

Ukrainians are the backbone of the migrant labour market in Poland. In construction, agriculture and logistics, they account for 30-40% of the workforce. But the problem of illegal employment remains acute. According to the Polish Labour Inspectorate, last year more than 20% of Ukrainians checked were working without official contracts.

The new checks are an attempt by the authorities to simultaneously solve the problem of illegal labour and increase budget revenues, as well as provide migrants themselves with more guarantees and protection.

Reminder! The Polish government has approved a law that changes the rules for receiving social assistance for foreigners, including Ukrainians. Now, payments under the ‘800+’, ‘Good Start’ and ‘Active Parents’ programmes will directly depend on legal residence and employment in the country. Find out what conditions Ukrainians must meet to receive support and when the law comes into force.

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