Rising Returns: Foreigners Asked to Leave Poland

23 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

More than 220 foreigners leaving Poland in a week, mostly Ukrainians and Belarusians; what expats in Warsaw should know.

More than 220 foreigners leaving Poland departed in a single week, the Border Guard reports. Moreover, the largest groups came from Ukraine and Belarus, and the issue draws attention in Warsaw.

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Numbers and immediate reasons

From June 1 to June 7, the Border Guard recorded over 220 departures. In addition, officials noted that 48 Ukrainians left voluntarily. Moreover, 33 citizens of Belarus and 14 Georgians also left by their own choice. However, forced removals also occurred. Consequently, 42 Ukrainians left under compulsion. In addition, authorities expelled Belarusians and Russians in that group.

Why foreigners leaving Poland matters in Warsaw

Warsaw hosts the largest foreign community in Poland. Therefore, the city has tens of thousands of Ukrainians and Belarusians. Consequently, local residents and employers will notice heightened checks. However, authorities stress that most foreigners live and work legally. Moreover, they pay taxes and use public services such as ZUS (social security) and NFZ (public health insurance).

Types of offences and legal grounds

The Border Guard listed several causes for returns. They included repeated thefts, driving under the influence, and use of illegal licence plates. In addition, officers cited fuel theft and identity fraud. Moreover, authorities charged some with assault, domestic violence, and helping illegal border crossings. Therefore, these decisions rest on criminal law and on breaches of residency rules.

Since the start of 2025, the Border Guard issued over 9,400 return orders. In addition, about 7,200 people left voluntarily. Consequently, voluntary departures make about 76 percent of cases. However, officials applied forced measures to nearly 2,200 people. For comparison, the state recorded 8,540 such orders during all of 2024.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Warsaw, check your neighbours and coworkers for legal status only when necessary. In addition, learn basic terms: ZUS means social security, NFZ is public health insurance, PESEL is the national ID number, and mandat means a police fine. Moreover, report crimes to the police and to your embassy. Therefore, keep your own documents, work contract, and proof of registration (umowa o pracę, employment contract; oraz registration like meldunek when required) handy. Finally, seek legal help quickly if officials question your residency.

For expats, the trend does not mean mass departures from Warsaw. However, it signals more active enforcement. Consequently, employers should verify work permits and residency documents. In addition, migrants should register correctly with local offices. Moreover, using proper contracts helps with access to ZUS and NFZ benefits. Therefore, a small administrative lapse can escalate into a return order.

Authorities say the measures target lawbreakers, not entire communities. However, officials will likely keep up inspections of employment and residency. Consequently, expats should stay informed about their legal status. Moreover, embassies and NGOs often provide free advice in Warsaw.

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