Simplification of Employment of Foreign Workers in Poland and the Case of Wroclaw

Abstract

The so called ‘simplified system’ of employment of nationals of selected countries in Poland was not designed as a measure for immigrant integration. The introduction of the system in 2006 was a response to the employer demand in the sectors of agriculture and horticulture for the quick supply of the workers for seasonal employment. The integration aspect of the measure under consideration was intended, but is important as the ‘simplified system’ (1) supports integration into the regular labour market of migrants who are traditionally taking up the jobs in the irregular labour market; and (2) provides opportunity for the smooth transition to long-term employment under the general regulations on the employment of foreigners in Poland. The measure is also not designed exclusively for the less skilled migrants. However, due to the fact that it is targeted at workers taking up short-term jobs, it in reality predominantly concerning the low- or semi-skilled positions. Low and semi-skilled work assignments do not necessarily correspond to the immigrants’ qualifications. Especially in the case of Ukrainian immigrants, overqualification is widespread (for example a nurse certified working as a domestic caregiver; or a teacher taking up seasonal work in agriculture).