The new report is based on a survey titled "Poland in the Global Race for Talent from Asia and Latin America" and prepared by the EWL Migration Platform, the Centre for East European Studies at the University of Warsaw, and the EWL Foundation.
The survey included responses from 450 immigrants employed in Poland, shedding light on the demographic and economic impact of these workers.
Who are the workers?
Key findings from the report highlight that 75% of Asian and Latin American workers in Poland are men, predominantly young and crucial to sectors like manufacturing, construction, and services. Despite the language barrier cited by 46% of respondents as their primary challenge, 52% can communicate in Polish, and 43% are actively learning the language.
Education
Education levels among these workers are significant, with 52% holding secondary education, aligning well with Poland’s demand for technical skills in its labor market. Interestingly, 60% of these workers feel that their jobs match their qualifications, indicating a high level of job satisfaction and integration into their roles.
The cost
Financially, these immigrants make substantial investments to work in Poland, often equivalent to six months' earnings in their home countries. They face long waiting times for employment processing, averaging about five months, which poses a challenge for both the workers and their Polish employers.
Earnings
The report also touches on earnings, revealing that Asian and Latin American workers earn an average net monthly salary of PLN 3780 (USD 948, EUR 878) significantly higher than what they would typically earn back home. This economic benefit, coupled with a Net Promoter Score of 69, suggests that the majority would recommend Poland as a favorable work destination.
Settle or move?
Moreover, nearly half of the surveyed workers express a desire to stay in Poland for more than two years, although only 7% consider staying permanently.
(jh)
Source: EWL
Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Danuta Isler.