Poland is preparing to establish 49 new “integration centres for foreigners” across the country, funded by the European Commission, to help address the growing number of migrants arriving in the country. These centres will offer comprehensive services designed to help newly arrived migrants adapt to life in Poland. According to the European Commission, the centres aim to provide standardized services and facilitate collaboration between local authorities, the government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
The services offered at these centres will include Polish language courses, adaptation programs, psychological care, and legal assistance. One of the primary goals is to support migrants in their journey towards long-term integration into Polish society, offering them the resources they need to thrive in their new environment. There will also be measures in place to combat issues like domestic violence and human trafficking, ensuring a safe space for migrants to seek help.
The development of these centres comes at a critical time for Poland, which has experienced a sharp increase in immigration over the past several years. Poland has issued more first residence permits to non-EU immigrants than any other European Union country for seven consecutive years. By the end of 2023, over 1.13 million foreigners were registered in Poland’s social insurance system, making up around 7% of the total workforce. This increase in migration has placed significant pressure on state offices, leading the government to seek innovative solutions like the integration centres to better manage the influx of migrants.
But how will these centres work? These “one-stop shops” will allow migrants to access various services under one roof, making it easier for them to get the help they need. The services will be available to migrants until they submit their application for a long-term EU residence permit, which requires a basic knowledge of the Polish language.
Local authorities in Poland’s 16 provinces will be responsible for setting up the centres, working in cooperation with institutions and NGOs experienced in migrant support. Although provincial authorities will manage the day-to-day operations, the adaptation and orientation courses provided at these centres will follow a nationwide standard. These courses will cover essential topics like Poland’s history, political system, cultural heritage, education, and healthcare, ensuring that migrants receive a consistent introduction to life in the country.
The government hopes that these integration centres will not only provide support for migrants but also improve the accuracy of migrant registration in the country. By having a clear registration process, officials will be able to better track the number of migrants in Poland and their geographical distribution.
The integration centres are being funded by the European Commission’s Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF). However, the government is also exploring other potential funding sources, including the European Social Fund and local government budgets. These centres are a key part of Poland’s new migration policy, which will cover the years 2025-2030, and Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to present the policy draft soon.
As migration continues to shape Poland’s future, the launch of these integration centres represents a crucial step towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for foreigners living in the country.