The findings come from a study titled "Migration in Poland", prepared jointly by the Institute of Public Affairs, Deloitte and Ipsos, which does not include foreigners working in the informal economy. The report estimates the number of foreigners in Poland at approximately 2 to 2.5 million, while data from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) show that foreign nationals now account for nearly 8% of insured workers.
"In recent years, migrants have not only been filling vacancies in Polish companies, but also offsetting the accelerating decline in the number of domestic workers registered with ZUS — a consequence of Poland's rapidly aging society", the report's authors said.
Sociologist Jacek Kucharczyk, president of the Institute of Public Affairs, told Rzeczpospolita the report illustrates the important role foreigners play in the Polish labor market and their significance as a driver of economic growth. Experts cited in the report also noted that foreigners function not only as workers but frequently as consumers, entrepreneurs and investors.
An Ipsos survey conducted for the report found that Poles are having more frequent contact with foreigners and generally view those interactions positively.
More than half of respondents said migrants fill staffing gaps and contribute to economic growth, while 73% said Poland should remain open to people from other countries who bring skills, a strong work ethic and a desire to live honestly.
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Source: Polish Radio, PAP