Despite the existence of government offices handling the legalization of foreigners, agencies operate as intermediaries between foreigners and these offices. Legalization agencies also handle job placement and deportation reversals. Aleksandra Fedorska and Michał Żukiewicz visited both government foreigner offices and legalization agencies.
Foreigner legalization agencies are private companies that offer comprehensive assistance to foreign nationals in obtaining residence and work permits in Poland. As the report reveals, they are not limited to administrative formalities alone. The agencies also function as employment agencies, helping foreigners find jobs — for example, as bus drivers. The reporters emphasize that these companies accompany clients to government offices, acting as representatives, which facilitates communication, especially when language barriers exist.
The legalization process is complicated and depends on the foreigner's nationality. For Ukrainians, the situation was simplified from January 2022 due to the war in Ukraine. Their stay does not need to be linked to employment — meeting basic conditions is sufficient. The situation is different for Vietnamese nationals and other nationalities, where work is the primary reason for legal residence in Poland.
Fedorska and Żukiewicz visited the office in Poznań, where they learned about the challenges foreigners face. Lack of Polish language skills and the complexity of procedures mean that many of them turn to outside help. The agencies charge fees for their services but promise to expedite the process. The cost of assistance in obtaining a residence card is approximately 1,500 PLN.
One of the key questions in the report is whether deportation can be reversed. The agencies claim it can — after a specified period, one can file an application to return to Poland. However, it is not simple. Deportation often results from violations of residence law, such as illegal employment or overstaying a visa.
Not all agencies are created equal. We are dealing with a thicket of an industry of help or pseudo-help related to the residence of foreigners in Poland. This service should not exist — applicants should be able to receive full service at the government office, says Fedorska.
The activities of these agencies are controversial. On one hand, they ostensibly strengthen the position of migrants. On the other, they raise questions about transparency: are these companies exploiting foreigners' lack of legal knowledge? Fedorska and Żukiewicz call for greater public awareness. Their investigation shows that migration is not just about numbers, but about the stories of people seeking a better life.
