Poland is placing growing emphasis on encouraging its citizens to return from abroad. The government’s strategy for cooperation with the Polish diaspora in the coming years includes a system of incentives for returnees, as well as facilitation in recognizing education and qualifications, and opportunities to undertake studies or professional internships. In the face of mounting demographic challenges and a demand for highly qualified personnel, this represents a chance to strengthen the labor market. The influx of skilled specialists with experience gained abroad can aid in modernizing the domestic economy.
“When shaping the strategy for cooperation with the Polish diaspora, we want to be an attractive country for Poles. Not only from the perspective of maintaining Polish culture and ties — which is also very important — but we want to become a country of returns. We noticed this when immigrants seeking safety, peace, and work appeared at the border. For the first time, we try to offer the same to Poles living abroad,” emphasized Paweł Wroński, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an interview with Newseria.
In April this year, the government adopted a new strategy for cooperation with the Polish diaspora and Poles living outside Poland for 2025–2030. Prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the document continues previous efforts but introduces a range of new solutions. These include promoting return policies by supporting mobility programs (encouraging return to Poland for professional, educational, or research activities), and easing access to higher education and internships in Poland.
“The return program to Poland, symbolized by the beautiful image of a stork, is primarily aimed at young people who have not yet had the chance to get to know Poland, especially students. We encourage them to study in Poland, where education is free for them, which is a very important factor, and we hope that by the beginning of the academic year we will see the first effects of this campaign. We want young people with experience from other countries to start their careers in Poland and bring their businesses here,” said Paweł Wroński. “I know this program is strongly promoted in the UK and USA, where the Donald Trump administration has sought to significantly restrict immigration. Brazil is also a country where, in some states, Polish is even an official language. Anyone wishing to get to know their homeland and ancestors while making good business here is warmly encouraged, and we actively promote all such forms.”
The government stresses that the Polish diaspora holds great potential for return policies and for modernizing the Polish economy. This group also still has unrealized potential in promoting and representing Polish interests abroad. The government strategy aims to modernize cooperation instruments with the diaspora, considering the developmental needs of the Polish economy and demographic forecasts. The strategy provides a system of incentives and facilitations for the diaspora to return to work in Poland, including administrative and tax relief, as well as support for professional integration and family life. The document also supports recognition of education obtained abroad, which can facilitate entry into the labor market. Thanks to cooperation among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor and Social Policy, and Ministry of Interior and Administration, access to regulated professions will be easier, enabling faster entry into key occupations.
“These returns will not initially be massive, but we count on people with professional experience, knowledge of modern technologies, and foreign language skills,” indicated the MFA spokesperson.
The foundation for returns can be Poland’s economic success. From 1989 to 2018, Poland’s GDP grew by 826.9%, the highest increase in Europe; GDP per capita rose by 209% between 1990 and 2023.
“Poland has been the fastest-growing economy in Europe for almost 30 years and the second fastest globally after China. This has made Poland very attractive to Poles who had left. Germany is the strongest economy in Europe, yet recent data show more Poles returned from Germany than left. This is the first such situation since Poland joined the EU. If we can compete with Germany for Poles, we can definitely compete for people of Polish origin, for example in Brazil,” argued Andrzej Korkus, founder and CEO of EWL Group.
Poland has recorded a positive migration balance in recent years. According to the Central Statistical Office (GUS), in 2023 the net migration for permanent residence was +6.8 thousand, meaning more people arrived than left. The first quarter of this year also showed a positive balance, which may grow substantially.
“We have gone from a country with high unemployment — sometimes 10 or even 20% — where people always left seeking work, to a country that has become a very attractive place to work,” assessed Andrzej Korkus. “Average wages in Poland are nearly $2,000, many times higher than in countries like Brazil and Argentina. That is a huge motivation to come, and if we support it with good programs helping people find education or work, we can truly build something new in our market.”
While previous actions focused mainly on repatriation from the East — Kazakhstan or former USSR republics — the government and private sector see potential on other continents as well.
“Students or workers who come here can become talent for Polish companies that may then expand to South American markets, where Polish companies currently have very little presence. These markets are still less developed than Poland but have enormous potential,” stressed the EWL president.
Available estimates indicate about 20 million Poles live abroad, with over 9 million in the United States. Outside Europe, large Polish communities are also found in Brazil and Australia. In Anglo-Saxon and German-speaking countries, as well as France, Italy, and Spain, the Polish communities include descendants of three main migration waves: post-WWII emigration, migration in the 1960s–80s, and labor migration after Poland’s EU accession in 2004.
“There is a very large diaspora actively investing in Poland and relocating for managerial positions. Programs supporting repatriation from Eastern directions, previously Russia, now Kazakhstan and Caucasus countries, have long been in place. Scholarship programs exist for students and youth of Polish origin who want to return to Poland and begin studies. This is a great solution that should be supported further, expanding to new geographic areas,” said Andrzej Korkus.
He noted the return of the diaspora could have great significance for the labor market. The Polish Economic Institute reports that if current demographic trends continue, by 2035 the number of workers will decrease by 2.1 million, or 12.6% of current employment. Compared to today, the workforce will shrink by 29% in education, 23% in healthcare, and 11% in industry.
“I would definitely increase activation of youth and students. They adapt well and have their whole future ahead. From the economy’s perspective, we should invest in this potential. We have templates and paths, but we should implement them also in geographies that are not obvious today, like South America,” the EWL president concluded.
