Poland’s labor market is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. As about 1.2 million foreigners work legally in the country, workers from Asia and South America are increasingly filling positions once dominated by Ukrainians. According to experts, many Ukrainians who left Poland after the war began may find it difficult to reclaim their former jobs.
Data from SW Research shows that over 1.17 million foreigners are now employed in Poland – a sixfold increase compared to 2015. While Ukrainians remain the largest group, with 779,000 registered in ZUS records as of September 2024, their share is shrinking. In the first half of 2024 alone, more than 173,000 new work permits were issued, mostly to citizens of Asian and South American countries.
An estimated 30,000 Colombians and Filipinos already work in Poland. These migrants are increasingly visible in manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing – sectors with the highest demand for physical workers, production staff, and machine operators.
New migration wave fills gaps left by Ukrainians
– The process of replacing some Ukrainian workers with foreigners from other regions is already underway – said Michał Solecki, CEO of Worksol Group. – The Polish labor market quickly filled vacancies with workers from Asia and South America.
According to Solecki, even after the war ends, many Ukrainians may struggle to return to their former positions. Companies that have already hired workers from Asia and South America are unlikely to replace them just to reopen positions for Ukrainians.
Foreign workers in Poland earn on average about 10 percent more than the national minimum wage, which makes them attractive for employers seeking stable and motivated staff.
Return may bring disappointment for many Ukrainians
The shift is visible across industries. In addition to manufacturing and warehousing, foreigners find employment in construction, transport and logistics, and the food processing sector. The largest demand continues for blue-collar workers and operators of machinery and equipment.
Experts warn that Ukrainians who left Poland for better wages in Western Europe may face a cold awakening if they try to come back. The labor market they left behind is no longer the same – it has adapted and diversified.
Źródło: wnp.pl, Fot. Shutterstock
