The declining number of Ukrainian workers, who in recent years supported logistics, industry, processing, and agriculture in Poland, is opening the door to new migration patterns. Workers from South America and Asia are now garnering significant attention. Statistics from the Central Statistical Office (GUS) indicate a marked rise in work permits issued to individuals from these regions—in 2023, over 275,000 permits were granted, five times more than in 2019. According to the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), the largest increase in foreign workers in Poland during 2023 was among Colombians, Nepalese, and Argentinians. This is a positive trend, as with Poland’s GDP expected to grow by 3% in 2025 and unemployment remaining low, the economy will continue to face labor shortages. However, will this new wave of economic migration meet the labor market’s needs? What challenges will employers and outsourcing agencies face in the coming year? Insights are provided by Opteamic Group, a comprehensive provider of process outsourcing in Poland.
South American Workers Fill Critical Labor Gaps
Migrants from South America are addressing labor shortages in warehousing, industrial processing, construction, and agriculture—sectors with high demand for low-skilled workers.
Poland’s economy, boasting one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU and a projected GDP growth of approximately 3% for 2024–2025, faces a significant challenge in sourcing labor. With the diminishing inflow of Ukrainian workers, South American migrants have become a crucial resource for many businesses and temporary work agencies. For many of these workers, Poland represents a dream of a better life.
While this narrative might appear straightforward, the reality is more complex.
Key Challenges for Employers and Migrants
“The influx of new economic migrants comes with significant challenges,” explains Jakub Kizielewicz, President of Opteamic Group. “For employers, the lengthy process of legalizing residence and obtaining work permits is a major hurdle, while for migrants, the lack of Polish language skills and cultural differences are substantial barriers. These issues discourage the labor market from embracing this new group of economic migrants. Process outsourcing and employee leasing agencies play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges—from handling all bureaucratic formalities, organizing language courses, and supporting cultural adaptation to helping migrants understand local regulations.”
To meet employers’ expectations, outsourcing and employee leasing agencies must stay ahead of the curve. This requires them to anticipate market needs, adapt to shifting trends, and remain well-versed in legal frameworks and their amendments—a task that is not easy in Poland’s regulatory environment.
Bureaucratic Hurdles and Worker Exploitation
One of the main challenges is the bureaucracy and time-intensive processes involved in legalizing residence and obtaining work permits. For citizens of non-EU countries, these procedures can take 3 to 6 months, delaying worker availability and, in extreme cases, deterring both candidates and employers. This undermines the labor market’s flexibility, which is critical in times of constant change. Additionally, unethical practices in the labor brokerage market are another pressing concern. An increase in exploitation and non-compliance with workers’ rights has pushed the Polish government to propose stricter regulations and enhance oversight of employment agencies.
Recently, the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy prepared a draft law on employing foreigners in Poland. The proposal aims to provide migrants with better protection and more stable working conditions. While these initiatives are commendable, questions remain about the implementation process—will the procedures be overly complicated, and could they inadvertently stiffen or even paralyze the labor market for hiring foreigners? The year 2025 is sure to bring even more questions and challenges.
Opportunities for the Polish Economy
“The influx of South American migrants presents a tremendous opportunity for the Polish economy, particularly given the low unemployment rate and growing number of investments,” emphasizes Kizielewicz. “To fully capitalize on this potential, it will be crucial in the coming year to streamline visa and legalization procedures, enhance integration support—such as government-funded language and intercultural training—and create sustainable collaboration models. Outsourcing agencies must not only respond to the market’s immediate needs but also develop stable and secure frameworks that benefit both workers and employers.”
Source: ManagerPlus
