Poland is preparing to change its migration policy in the labor market due to the gradual dwindling potential of Ukrainian workers. The government and experts point to the need to actively attract foreigners from other countries and focus on deeper integration of migrants who are already working in the country. This is reported by InPoland, citing Dziennik Gazeta Prawna.
As of the end of July 2025, there were 1,106,300 foreigners working in Poland, which is 6.2% more than a year earlier. Foreign workers made up 6.7% of the total workforce in the country, which is significantly lower than in Germany, where this indicator exceeds 15%.
Poland plans to increase the share of foreigners in the labor market
The government strategy for 2025-2030 suggests that to support economic growth, the share of foreigners should increase to at least 12% by 2030. This means attracting 1.8-2 million workers from abroad.
According to estimates from Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, to achieve this goal, the Polish labor market needs to attract:
- between 125,000 and 130,000 foreign workers;
- people from new migration flows beyond Ukraine;
- specialists ready for long-term integration.
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Ukrainians remain the key group, but reserves are limited
The largest group of foreign workers in Poland remains citizens of Ukraine. In July 2025, they numbered 741,000, which is 5.7% more than a year earlier. Ukrainians accounted for 67% of all foreigners working in the country.
At the same time, the International Monetary Fund notes that the potential for further migration from Ukraine is gradually being exhausted. The share of Ukrainian refugees of working age has increased from 65% in 2022 to 70% after two years, but reserves for further growth are limited. The IMF also warns that excessive administrative barriers may complicate access for foreigners to the Polish labor market.
It should be noted that Ukrainians working in Poland earn an average of 973 euros per month. This is less than in most other European countries and noticeably below the incomes of the Poles themselves, whose average salary is 1227 euros.