Poland targets visa brokers with new biometric screening plan for Indian applicants

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is set to introduce a new IT system to prevent intermediaries from monopolizing and selling visa appointment slots at high prices. This move aims to ensure that only genuine applicants can secure appointments without the need for middlemen. 

According to Polish daily Rzeczpospolita, India is one of the key countries where this new system will be piloted, alongside the Philippines and Uzbekistan. Many Indian workers, students, and professionals applying for Polish visas have faced difficulties in securing appointments due to intermediaries booking slots and reselling them at high rates. Under the new system, only applicants themselves will be able to schedule appointments, effectively shutting out unauthorized agents. 

Biometric verification and digital screening 
The system will introduce an identity verification mechanism, likely using biometric data such as fingerprints or facial recognition. This step will prevent unauthorized individuals from booking multiple slots and selling them for profit. Indian applicants may soon need to undergo biometric screening while scheduling their visa appointments online. 

The MFA has not provided a specific launch date for the system, but it is expected to roll out this year. The initial pilot phase will be tested in high-migration regions, including India, before expanding to other locations. Once fully implemented, the system will integrate with Poland’s existing eKonsulat platform and a new consular e-services platform under development. 

Why Poland is making this change 
Many Indian applicants, including IT professionals and skilled workers, have struggled to book visa appointments through official channels. Polish employers, particularly in the technology and manufacturing sectors, have raised concerns about the lack of available slots, which has forced them to rely on intermediaries. Reports suggest that while the system often shows no appointments, agents can secure them instantly and charge hefty fees. 

This change follows recent investigations into Poland’s visa issuance process, revealing instances of fraud and bribery. The new system is expected to increase transparency and ensure that appointments are fairly distributed. 

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/work/poland-targets-visa-brokers-with-new-biometric-screening-plan-for-indian-applicants/articleshow/118407394.cms