Poland has tightened the rules for entry into the country for citizens arriving from Georgia, Colombia and Venezuela for work.

According to media information, the regulation signed by Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski on 10 August entered into force on Saturday and applies specifically to persons entering Poland for the purpose of employment.

Citizens of the three mentioned countries can still enter Poland visa-free for tourist and other permitted short-term visits.

For those persons who entered Poland for work before 15 August, the old rules still apply.

The Polish government explains that citizens of the three mentioned countries systematically use the visa-free regime for employment without meeting the legal requirements.

According to official persons, among the reasons for introducing the new regulations are illegal employment and remaining in the country, the growth of the shadow economy, the exploitation of employees and human trafficking. They also noted that these three countries are considered high-migration-risk countries.