IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR FOREIGN WORKERS IN POLAND:
- you cannot start work before the date shown in the permit,
- a work permit is given with regard to one employer, to the particular position and to the period shown in the permit, under the conditions defined in the permit,
- your employer must move for an extension of a work permit not later than 30 days before the end of the period for which the permit has been given,
- if you want to change your employer or take up a different kind of job, your new employer must move for a new permit to an appropriate Voivode (regional/voivodship office),
- if you did not sign a contract before starting work, demand the contract not later than on the day of commencing work,
- a contract must be in accordance with a work permit,
The obligation of an employer:
- conclude contracts with you (including an employment contract) in a language which you understand,
- conduct trainings (including an occupational health and safety training) in a language which you understand,
- provide you with a copy of an extension of a work permit or of a new permit,
- pay for you, on a regular basis, contributions and taxes required by the law.
The obligations of an employee (within the employment relationship):
- regular remuneration paid within the agreed period (not lower than that shown in a work permit and concluded contract),
- protection against discrimination and exploitation,
- rest after work, holidays and a leave,
- work in safe and hygienic conditions,
- choose a place of residence,
- a certificate from your employer after leaving work.
Working in Poland with no permit:
- ILLEGAL WORK IS SUBJECT TO PENALTY! It may also result in an expulsion from Poland,
- if you work without a contract, the law does not provide you with protection and your employer may use it - may not pay you out your money, may demand that you work more/longer and perform a different work than it has been agreed. If you work illegally, you have worse access to employee rights which you are entitled to, including the right to free medical care.
- a crime such as human trafficking, if you have been cheated, forced to prostitution or slave labour; if your employer has not paid out money due to you, has threatened or blackmailed you, has taken your passport or another identity document, contact the National Consulting and Intervention Center for the Victims of Trafficking [KCIK] in Warsaw run by a non-governmental organization, phone no.: 0 22 628 01 20, where you will receive support and help which you need (www.kcik.pl)
- another crime (e.g. robbery, rape, battery) - contact the Police, phone no.: 997 (on the territory of the whole country) or dial the emergency no. 112 (free telephone line).
Whether your stay is legal or not, you have the right to safety, protection and legal help. You can turn to law enforcement bodies, a non-governmental organization and also to your Consul.
Related Links:
Rights and Obligations of Foreign Workers in Poland
Free Legal Counsel in Warsaw
Polish Labor Code in English
Unemployed Foreigner in Poland
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