Polish prosecutors have opened a formal investigation in August 2025 into possible abuses and irregularities in the issuing of PBH visas, a special program once managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The probe comes after the PBH visa program was suspended in late 2023 due to growing concerns about its management and oversight.
The District Prosecutor’s Office in Zielona Góra is leading the investigation, focusing on whether civil servants and Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff abused their power or failed in their duties during the PBH visa process. The investigation covers thousands of PBH visas, especially those given to Belarusian IT professionals and their families, but also includes nationals from India, Iran, Japan, Azerbaijan, and South Korea.
Authorities are now looking into whether the PBH program was used for reasons other than its original goal of attracting IT talent. They are also checking if there was a lack of proper checks and oversight when issuing these visas. The actions of officials during the administration of former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki are under review, with special attention on Jadwiga Emilewicz, the former Development Minister, and Justyna Orlowska, the GovTech Polska director, who both played key roles in starting and running the PBH program.
The PBH program began in September 2020, mainly as a response to political unrest in Belarus. Its main goal was to attract IT professionals and companies from Belarus, and later from other countries. Over 93,000 people received PBH or similar national visas, with about 13,000 specifically granted PBH visas. However, the whereabouts and current status of many recipients remain unclear, raising questions about how well the program was managed.
In September 2023, the PBH program was suspended due to worries about visa misuse and weak verification systems. The ‘business path’ was stopped in November 2023, and the ‘individual path’ ended in January 2024. Since then, no new PBH visas have been issued. Foreign IT specialists who want to work in Poland now have to use standard national visa procedures, which require extra work permits and face stricter checks.
PBH program began
PBH program suspended
‘Business path’ stopped
‘Individual path’ ended
Investigation opened
People who already hold valid PBH visas can stay in Poland until their visas expire. If they wish to remain longer, they must apply for a new residence permit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it plans to create new, stronger visa procedures for high-demand industries, but as of August 2025, no replacement for the PBH program has been announced.
Media reports and expert opinions have criticized the PBH program for poor management. Many say the main focus seemed to be on issuing as many visas as possible, rather than making sure the people who got them were truly taking part in the program. There are also broader concerns about corruption and weak standards in Poland’s visa system. Experts warn that political appointments and lower qualifications for consular staff have made it easier for abuse and fraud to happen.
As of August 2025, Polish authorities have not released detailed findings from the investigation, and no charges have been filed. The investigation is still in its early stages. The prosecutor’s office is collecting documents, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing visa records to see if there was abuse of power, negligence, or if officials helped irregular migration on purpose.
Those who entered Poland under the PBH program are not currently being targeted for removal. However, their status could be reviewed if the investigation finds problems with how their visas were issued. This has left many PBH visa holders uncertain about their future in Poland.
The investigation could lead to several outcomes, including administrative or criminal charges against civil servants, changes in how visas are issued, and possibly a new approach to attracting foreign talent. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to suggest new visa pathways for IT and other high-demand sectors, with better checks and rules to prevent abuse.
This case is also being watched closely by European Union institutions, as it could affect the Schengen Area and raise wider questions about visa integrity and migration management. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the PBH visa situation highlights the need for stronger oversight and clear rules in special visa programs.
For those currently holding PBH visas, here are some practical steps to consider:
- Check your visa expiry date: Make sure you know when your PBH visa ends.
- Apply for a new residence permit if needed: If you want to stay in Poland after your PBH visa expires, you must apply for a new residence permit. You can find official information and application forms on the Polish government immigration portal.
- Stay updated: Follow announcements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the District Prosecutor’s Office in Zielona Góra for the latest news about the investigation and any changes to visa rules.
- Consult legal experts: If you are unsure about your status or rights, consider speaking with an immigration lawyer or a reputable immigration law firm.
The PBH visa investigation has caused uncertainty for many foreign workers and their families. Employers in Poland who relied on the PBH program to hire IT talent now face more complicated and slower hiring processes. Foreign professionals must now go through the standard national visa system, which includes more paperwork and stricter checks.
Key facts about the PBH visa investigation as of August 1, 2025:
- Investigation lead: District Prosecutor’s Office, Zielona Góra
- Focus: Irregularities, abuse of power, lack of oversight
- Key stakeholders: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, former Prime Minister Morawiecki, Emilewicz, Orlowska
- PBH visas issued: Over 93,000 (about 13,000 PBH-specific)
- Program status: Suspended since late 2023
- Current visa holders: Can stay until visa expiry, must reapply to stay longer
- Future policy: New procedures in development, not yet announced
For official updates and guidance, visit the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. The District Prosecutor’s Office in Zielona Góra is the main agency handling the ongoing investigation.
In summary, the investigation by Polish prosecutors into the PBH visa program is a major development for Poland’s immigration system. It shows the risks of weak oversight in special visa programs and the need for clear, fair rules. While current PBH visa holders are not being removed, they should pay close attention to their visa status and any new rules that may be announced. Employers and foreign professionals should prepare for stricter checks and possibly new visa options in the future. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to play a key role in shaping these changes, aiming to balance the need for skilled workers with strong controls to prevent abuse.
This Article in a Nutshell
