The EU is investigating Poland over allegations that its consulates in Africa and Asia were selling temporary work visas to migrants for large sums of money. The EU is concerned that this could jeopardize the free travel zone within Europe, known as the Schengen area.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, is seeking clarification from Poland on various aspects of the allegations, such as the number and types of visas affected, the whereabouts of the visa holders, and the measures Poland is taking to prevent fraud and corruption.
Poland is the leading issuer of “first residence” permits in the EU, with approximately 700,000 permits issued last year to citizens of 148 non-EU countries. While these permits are intended for individuals to stay in Poland, the Schengen zone’s ID-check-free travel makes it easy for them to move around.
The EU is investigating this matter because it is concerned about the potential for fraud and corruption to undermine the integrity of the Schengen area. The EU is also concerned about the potential for this matter to exacerbate tensions over migration within the EU.
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