What changed?
Do not assume that visa-free entry plus a work permit is enough to start employment. The regulation excludes work on that basis during visa-free stays for citizens of Colombia, Georgia and Venezuela. This is not a blanket ban on employing those nationalities.
People who were already working
A transitional provision concerns people who started work under a permit before the change took effect. The ministry also explains circumstances for continuing work during residence proceedings when specified conditions are met. Merely being in Poland before 22 August does not automatically confer work rights.
How should recruitment be prepared?
Provide the entry date, residence basis, previous employment start date and existing documents. For a new trip, establish the visa route and job conditions before buying a ticket. Assessment requires the complete circumstances, not nationality alone.
Practical preparation checklist
- Do not assess work rights from an entry stamp alone.
- Provide residence basis, work document and actual employment start date.
- Explain whether this is a new trip, job change or continuation.
- For pending residence proceedings, prepare submission proof and details of previous work authorisation.
- Confirm the appropriate entry and employment basis before travelling.
Two people from the same country may have different circumstances: one was lawfully working before the change, while the other is planning a first trip. They should not receive the same automatic instructions. Documents and dates must be compared. In particular, submitting a residence application must not be presented as a universal way to start working.
Questions & answers
Does this cover all LATAM countries?+
This regulation names three countries. Current entry, residence and work rules must also be checked for every other nationality.