The Migration Consortium, in cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has published a report on the exploitation of migrants in Poland between 2022 and 2024, focusing on their labour and housing situation. The analysis reveals a troubling picture of increasing abuse against migrants, particularly those from Latin America.
The issue of exploitation of migrants
Between 2022 and 2024, a steady rise in cases of forced labour, wage withholding, and abuse related to housing was reported. According to official data and reports of the National Intervention and Consultation Centre for Victims of Human Trafficking (KCIK), most victims subject to forced labour were coming from Latin America. In 2024, among 289 individuals assisted by KCIK, 191 experienced labour exploitation, and many of them came from just three countries: Columbia, Venezuela and Argentina*. The authors note that many migrants arrive in Poland with the hope of legal employment but quickly fall into the hands of dishonest labour agencies and employers, who make them dependent by withholding documents and imposing unjustified fees and debts.
Migrants, especially those from outside the EU, frequently lack access to reliable information on the conditions of stay and work in Poland. Migrants are often misled, in particular in the recruitment phase, before they leave the country of origin. Migration brokers, who are often fellow nationals of the migrants, are behind this process. Migrant workers in Poland often lack proper contacts, which can be one of the forms of exploitation. Individuals hired on civil law contracts, despite conditions indicating the need for an employment contract, lack protection under labour law, such as paid holidays or paid sick leave. For migrant workers without health insurance, illness can mean not only loss of income but also the increased risk of homelessness.
*Data from the reports of National Intervention and Consultation Centre for Victims of Human Trafficking.
High risk for children, youth, and marginalized groups
The report draws attention to the heightened vulnerability of certain groups to exploitation, notably unaccompanied children, including from Ukraine and Belarus, as well as members of the Roma community originating from Ukraine. It further identifies LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and young adults as requiring tailored support. Ukrainian Roma people from the Transcarpathian region are in an especially difficult situation, as many are illiterate and unable to communicate in Polish, Ukrainian, or Russian – the primary languages used for disseminating information. This combination of language barriers, low literacy, and documented instances of discrimination in Poland results in these individuals being excluded from available support systems, thereby significantly increasing their risk of abuse.
“To prevent exploitation or violence, all migrants, regardless of their residence status or origin, should have equal access to support systems. It is particularly important to identify individuals at risk of violence or exploitation and provide them with appropriate support to reduce risk factors,” says Hanna Dobrzyńska, IOM Poland.
Poland rated highly, but the system does not protect everyone
Poland has been recognised for its robust anti-human trafficking efforts, consistently achieving top ratings internationally. However, the existing support systems and mechanisms for identifying victims do not extend to all migrants and refugees who require protection. The Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report* highlights substantial shortcomings, including inadequate safeguards for minors, a lack of comprehensive and consistent data collection, and insufficient preventative measures.
“Poland’s commitment to tackling human trafficking demonstrates an increasing awareness among authorities of the gravity of the issue and a determination to address it. Nevertheless, the dynamic migration situation, emerging trends, and new forms of migrant exploitation pose ongoing challenges, requiring continuous adaptation of strategies and enhancement of tools for both preventing trafficking and assisting its victims,” comments Paweł Barabasz, IOM Poland.
*According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of State.
