Poland Enhances Visa Appointment Security with New IT System

Poland is taking steps to curb visa appointment fraud with the introduction of a new IT system. This system aims to eliminate intermediaries who book and resell visa slots at inflated prices.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the development of this system, although the official launch date has yet to be announced. The system is set to roll out later this year.

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The new IT system will restrict the ability of intermediaries to secure and resell visa appointments. Applicants will need to verify their identity before booking an appointment, preventing unauthorized individuals from monopolizing slots meant for genuine applicants.

Additional electronic verification services will be introduced, and officials suggest that biometric verification might be included. This would involve applicants undergoing biometric screening, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, prior to booking a visa appointment.

Initially, the system will be tested in countries with high visa demand to evaluate its effectiveness. Post-pilot, the system will be refined and integrated into Poland’s existing eKonsulat platform, with plans to launch a new consular e-services platform for visa services.

The decision to implement the new system stems from reports of visa appointment fraud and numerous complaints from foreign nationals and Polish employers. The current system has led to appointment shortages, particularly in the IT sector, causing difficulties for employers who need to secure appointments for their workers. Some employers were compelled to pay intermediaries for appointments that should have been free.

Investigations showed that while official systems displayed no available slots, intermediaries could secure appointments instantly. This reselling practice has resulted in unfair access to visa slots, prompting Polish authorities to take action.

Once fully implemented, visa applicants will need to follow stricter procedures for booking appointments. They will be required to verify their identity and may need to provide biometric data. Appointments must be booked through official channels, eliminating intermediary usage. While the new process may add steps, it aims to ensure that visa appointments are accessible to those who genuinely need them.

Visa applicants should stay updated on announcements from the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to learn about new requirements and system changes.