Streamlined Work Visa for Belarussian Nationals Forthcoming

The situation

Effective December 1, 2020, eligible Belarussian nationals will benefit from a new streamlined work visa category under the Poland Business Harbor program.

A closer look

Applicants for the new program must apply under one of the below tracks:

• have a technology-related secondary professional degree (or higher);

• at least one year of professional experience in the information technology (IT) field; or

• be sponsored by a Polish IT company participating in the Poland Business Harbor program (if applying under this option, there is no need not demonstrate education or professional experience qualifications).

Visa holders must meet entry requirements to Poland such as sufficient funds to cover their stay and proof of health insurance coverage.

Impact

The program creates a streamlined pathway for professionals in a sought-after industry where previously no specific permit route existed for individuals with specialized knowledge. To maximize this benefit, the eligibility threshold is relatively low.

Eligible applicants under the Poland Business Harbor program can apply for a work visa without having to obtain a separate work permit, where typically applicants must submit a work permit with their work visa application to work in Poland. Employers and eligible applicants benefit from work visa processing two to seven months faster than under other options in Poland.

The program also offers favorable terms for start-ups and companies seeking to establish operations in Poland, though details have not yet been released.

Background

The Poland Business Harbor program was created to facilitate entry and labor market access for Belarussian nationals, for both humanitarian and economic purposes.

Poland already had an expedited work permission option for nationals of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine.

Looking ahead

Considering the heavy work permit and visa processing delays in Poland’s immigration system over the last few years, Fragomen expects that Polish authorities will continue to explore nationality- and/or category-based facilitations to alleviate the most acute pressures.

Fragomen will report on related developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].