In 2021, the European Union Commission revised the EU Blue Card regulations and allowed the member states two years to incorporate the new provisions into their own laws.
Poland had until November 2023 to incorporate the new regulations into its laws, but it was unable to do so, which raises questions about the country's labor market's future, according to EU Helpers.
If they meet specific requirements, highly competent non-EU workers can reside and work in a Member State thanks to the EU Blue Card.
Those who qualify for this program can enter the EU under simplified regulations in order to work.
Rzeczpospolita notes that international workers, however, face less favorable conditions because Poland has yet to implement the new regulations.
Both foreign businesses and skilled foreign workers hoping to enter Poland under this program have expressed concerns about the new EU Blue Card regulations' slow adoption into Polish law.
Employers in Poland have expressed dissatisfaction with the state of affairs, claiming that the absence of changes is deterring foreign-skilled individuals from choosing to work in their nation.
They have also stated their concern that Poland may see shortages in a variety of industries due to the preference of highly skilled foreign workers for other Member States.
Furthermore, emphasis has been placed on the fact that Poland's current regulations, which allow for a change in workplace after just 12 months rather than 24 months of employment, are unfair to foreign workers.
A one-year contract with an employer in Poland is no longer required, in accordance with the new EU Blue Card criteria that Poland has not yet implemented. A minimum of six-month contract duration is acceptable. The minimal compensation threshold is likewise lowered by the new regulations.
Non-EU workers must demonstrate that they possess higher professional qualifications in order to be eligible for the EU Blue Card. Among other requirements, they must work as paid employees, have a yearly gross pay that is at least 1.5 times the average national salary, provide proof of a one-year work contract, and have the required travel permits.