Sociologist: The scale of immigration challenges in Poland is rather exaggerated

Migration can bring both opportunities and challenges; however, the scale of these challenges we face in Poland is rather exaggerated, points out sociologist Professor Krzysztof Podemski. He warns against the fear mongering of migrants and the normalization of "militias" arbitrarily protecting the streets.

In mid-July, demonstrations against illegal immigration took place across Poland. On October 11, the Law and Justice party (PiS) announced another march, calling on "all patriotic forces" to participate.

The renewed focus on illegal migration has become a central political issue in the country, mobilizing numerous social groups to protest in the streets. It has sparked concern not only among foreigners who have entered the country legally but also among Polish citizens of various ethnic origins.

Professor Krzysztof Podemski, a sociologist from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, notes that although migration is a global challenge, migrants in Poland still constitute a relatively small part of society – at most around 6-7 percent.

In his opinion, such numbers and the scale of the problems associated with them do not justify radical political rhetoric.

"Migration can bring both opportunities and challenges. However, the scale of these challenges we face in Poland is rather exaggerated," the scientist notes.

When asked about the difficulties associated with newcomers, Podemski assessed that the presence of migrants could cause certain tensions, especially in the labor market and in the sphere of interpersonal relationships, especially matrimonial ones, which were often not given enough attention.

"Nevertheless, migrants enrich social and cultural life in Poland in many areas, and on the other hand, they often save the job market. The contribution of Ukrainians – the largest immigrant group in Poland – to industries such as care and hospitality is invaluable," says the sociologist.

"Right-wing political forces in Poland, on the other hand, often project onto Poland a situation familiar to us from Western Europe, playing on people's fears. In sociology, this is called sowing moral panic," explains Podemski. "They portray Poland as an 'island of safety,' while simultaneously spreading the myth of a plague of ethnic crime, which is not confirmed by statistics from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration," he adds.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration has published data showing that the involvement of foreigners in the most serious crimes – such as murders and rapes – is decreasing: in 2023, there were 565 murders and 40 suspected foreigners; in 2024 – 503 murders and 32 suspected foreigners; and in 2025 – 272 murders and 13 suspected foreigners.

Meanwhile, police data from the first half of 2025 indicate that the number of hate crimes motivated by race, ethnicity, religion, or homophobia is increasing slightly compared to last year. As Deputy Commissioner Iwona Kijowska from the National Police Headquarters told PAP, a total of 761 such crimes were recorded in 2024, and 469 in the first half of this year (until the end of June).

The sociologist also points to terminological inconsistencies in the use of the terms "migrant" and "refugee" in public debate and their increasingly negative connotations in the media. Podemski believes that a section of the political class also plays a role in fueling anti-immigration hysteria.

- They scare us with illegal migrants, but almost no one mentions that the actions of the so-called "patrols" and "militaries" that arbitrarily protect streets and crossings are also illegal.

According to the sociologist, anti-immigration vigilantism (civic self-defense movement – PAP) increases the level of social tensions, reduces trust in state institutions and promotes the radicalization of actions in migration policy.

Podemski believes that the deterioration of Poles' attitudes towards foreigners may result in a decrease in Poland's attractiveness as a place to live and work, which in the long term will have a negative impact on the level of innovation and the country's economic development.

Representatives of the Roma and Vietnamese communities have already expressed their concerns about anti-immigration rhetoric. They have appealed to Prime Minister Donald Tusk to send a strong message to the authorities that discrimination, racism, and xenophobia are unacceptable in Poland.

The day before the right-wing protests in July, the Ukrainian Commissioner for Human Rights' office in Poland urged Ukrainian citizens to refrain from participating in mass gatherings. The US and Japanese embassies in Poland issued similar messages to their staff.

Natalia, a Ukrainian woman who came to Poland six years ago on a research scholarship, told the Polish Press Agency (PAP) that she has noticed changes in Poles' attitudes towards Ukrainians. "From reserve, through Solidarity-like enthusiasm, to, unfortunately, extremely negative reactions. Now I prefer not to speak Ukrainian on public transport or write pro-Ukrainian comments in the media. Not because I'm afraid, but to protect my emotional strength," she said.

A Deloitte study commissioned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) shows that the presence of refugees from Ukraine generated 2.7% of Poland's GDP in 2024. This is possible because, according to UNHCR, the employment rate among war refugees is 69%, a slightly lower percentage than that of Polish citizens (75%). However, the positive message about migrants in Poland does not reach everyone and is increasingly being replaced by narratives of abuse and ingratitude, particularly on the part of Ukrainians, and of serious crimes committed by individuals from countries with different cultures.

"Unfortunately, I've experienced firsthand how stereotypes work and how all of us Ukrainians are lumped together," Natalia from Ukraine told PAP. "Sometimes it seems that, for example, the attitude of the owner of the apartment I'm renting changes not because of our conversations, but because of changing messages about Ukrainians on television or the deterioration of relations between the two countries," she added.

Wiktoria, another Ukrainian who came to Poland after February 2022 and now works here and pays taxes, complains that her sense of security is sometimes threatened.

"During one communication incident, hateful comments were directed at young boys (Ukrainians – PAP), which wouldn't have been so bad. However, one time, right in front of my eyes, a man and a woman hurled insults at a mother and her children," the girl recounted.

"Fortunately, online xenophobia doesn't yet reflect the true perception of Ukrainians. Many people have Polish friends or partners. However, I see the situation worsening by the day. I'm convinced that without migrants, many companies would simply go bankrupt, which would result in a decline in demand and jobs. So I don't think Poland would be attractive without migrants," Wiktoria concluded.

Ihor Usatenko (PAP)

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