Poland reestablishes visa outsourcing contracts amid delays
WARSAW, POLAND — Poland has reestablished contracts with visa outsourcing companies after significantly overhauling its visa application process last year.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which terminated its previous outsourcing contracts in September 2023, has now resumed third-party visa application services in several countries, including the reopening of VFS Global visa centers in India from January 2, 2024.
The original decision to terminate the contracts was part of a move to address “irregular regulations in the visa issuance process” and was expected to bring about significant changes in the visa application process.
The Polish government’s announcement indicated that consulates or other providers would likely take over the processing duties.
Despite the reinstatement of these services, applicants continue to face challenges. Processing delays, which previously extended beyond the typical three-to-six-month period, persist as foreign nationals struggle with appointment bookings.
Additionally, the grace period that was expected to allow for a smoother transition during the outsourcing shift is no longer in effect.
As the situation evolves, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet provided further details on how it will manage the ongoing backlog or the extended processing times.
Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about any updates or changes to the visa application process in the affected countries.
