Poland has tightened requirements for foreign doctors working under a simplified procedure. President Karol Nawrocki vetoed a law that allowed doctors from outside the EU to work longer without confirming sufficient proficiency in Polish. Against this backdrop, 441 foreign doctors have already lost their right to practice medicine. This is reported by InPoland.
Why Poland did not ease language requirements
The Supreme Medical Council of Poland supported the president's decision to block legislative changes that would have extended the deadline for submitting language certificates.
In the professional environment, it is emphasized that knowledge of the Polish language is one of the key factors for patient safety.
Jakub Kosiński, spokesman for the Supreme Medical Chamber, stated that Poland already has some of the softest requirements in the European Union regarding the admission of foreign medical professionals to work.
What level of Polish is required from doctors
After the presidential veto, the requirement to confirm knowledge of the Polish language at level B1 remains in force.
According to representatives of the medical self-government, in most EU countries, doctors are required to have a B2 or even C1 level, as well as to pass an additional exam on professional medical terminology.
In Poland, physicians from non-EU countries were given a two-year period to prepare for and pass the language exam.
According to the Medical Chamber, this time is sufficient to master the language at a level necessary for safe work with patients.
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What does this mean for Ukrainian doctors
The new rules may most affect medics from Ukraine and Belarus, who have actively joined the Polish healthcare system since the start of the war.
Poland emphasizes that it supports the involvement of doctors from countries outside the EU; however, all specialists must meet the same professional standards.
That is why confirming language competence remains a mandatory condition for continuing medical practice.
Experts note that for Ukrainian doctors who are already working in Poland or planning to find employment in the near future, knowledge of the Polish language is not just a formality but a key requirement for maintaining their professional rights.
Earlier, we reminded the conditions for obtaining temporary protection in Poland.