Polish Deputy Minister Denies Allegations of Visa Irregularities Amid Controversy

Polish Deputy Minister Denies Allegations of Visa Irregularities Amid Controversy

Responding to Accusations

Stanisław Żaryn, the Deputy Minister Coordinator of Special Services in Poland, has vehemently denied allegations of irregularities in the issuance of Polish visas. The accusations suggested that individuals who had previously attempted illegal entry into Poland from Belarus were being improperly granted visas. Żaryn asserted that such a mechanism could not function as these applications would not meet the basic requirements.

Origin of the Controversy

The allegations originate from a report claiming that individuals who previously attempted illegal entry from Belarus were among those who received Polish visas during the PiS government. The report suggests that these immigrants, mainly from Africa and the Middle East, were brought in by Lukashenko. These individuals could supposedly purchase a work permit and assistance in obtaining a visa for 250 and 1000 euros respectively. Meanwhile, the PiS government was reported to have issued over 1.3 thousand visas to citizens of African and Asian countries who entered Poland legally through Belarus with the assistance of a visa-procedure facilitating company.

Statistics vs. Allegations

In response to these allegations, Żaryn stressed the fact that 99.5 percent of visas issued to Poland in the period of 2022-2023 were for Belarusian citizens. During this period, only a handful of visas were issued to citizens of countries outside of Belarus. Examples include 15 visas to Nigerian citizens, 10 to India, 6 to Pakistan, and 1 to Syria. These statistics stand in stark contrast to the allegations made in the report.

Asserting Transparency

Stanisław Żaryn maintains that the accusations of visa irregularities are baseless. He has asserted that the majority of visas were issued to Belarusian citizens and not to illegal immigrants from Africa and the Middle East. He stands firm in his assertion that no visas would be granted under the conditions described in the allegations, stressing the absurdity of such a mechanism.