EU demands answers from Poland about visa fraud allegations
1 year, 2 months ago

EU demands answers from Poland about visa fraud allegations

Associated Press  

BRUSSELS — Poland must clarify allegations that its consulates in Africa and Asia sold temporary work visas to migrants for thousands of dollars each in a scheme that could undermine free travel in Europe, a senior European Union official said Tuesday. European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas said that travel within the 27-nation ID-check free travel zone known as the Schengen area relies on trust between the members, which include most EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Poland’s Interior Ministry said that “less than 30,000 workers from Muslim countries came last year.” The European Commission is the EU’s executive branch, and it polices the application of the bloc’s laws. He added: “We need full clarity to reinstate trust.” According to the EU statistics agency Eurostat, Poland issued some 700,000 “first residence” permits last year to citizens of 148 non-EU countries, making it the bloc’s top issuer of permits.

History of this topic

Poland accuses Germany of meddling in its affairs by seeking answers on alleged visa scheme
1 year, 3 months ago
EU, Germany press Poland over 'serious' cash-for-visas scandal
1 year, 3 months ago
Germany seeks answers from Poland in a visa fraud scandal involving migrants from Asia and Africa
1 year, 3 months ago
Poland is shaken by reports that consular officials took bribes to help migrants enter Europe and US
1 year, 3 months ago

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