The most people were refused entry at Poland’s borders with Ukraine (over 60,000), Belarus (over 33,600) and Russia (1,300).
Border guards said that the main reasons for refusing to allow foreigners in were the lack of a valid visa or residence permit, and the lack of documents confirming the purpose of a visit.
In total, 18.6 million foreigners last year crossed Poland’s borders while travelling to the country.
Among them, the largest group were Ukrainians (10.4 million), Belarusians (3.4 million), Russians (1.5 million), Israelis (233,000) and Americans (199,000), state news agency PAP reported.
With its labour shortages and low unemployment, Poland is a popular destination for Ukrainians searching for better paid jobs abroad.
Almost one in five companies in Poland employs Ukrainian workers, according to a study released in November.
Meanwhile, the Gazeta Wyborcza daily reported last year that around 1.3 million Ukrainian citizens work in Poland.
(pk/gs)
Source: PAP