The number of Israeli citizens applying for a Polish passport has risen dramatically

In fresh years we have seen a crucial increase in the number of Israeli citizens applying for Polish citizenship. According to the Mazovia Provincial Office, the number of applications increased from 4,000 in 2022 to 8.5 1000 in 2024, which is the highest score among all countries in the world.

Polish law allows the inheritance of citizenship even by grandchildren and great-grandchildren of people who emigrated from Poland in the 19th century. This means that people who have never lived in Poland or talk Polish can get a Polish passport and thus have access to the European Union.

The motivations of applicants vary. Many of them treat the Polish passport as “Plan B” in the face of political uncertainty in Israel. Especially after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 and the ruthless pacification of the Gaza Strip, many Israeli citizens search an alternate place to live, fearing the escalation of the conflict.

Unfortunately, the increasing number of applications overloads Polish offices. The Mazovian Provincial Office, liable for handling these cases, does not keep up with handling, which prolongs the waiting time to 13-18 months. In 2023, 13.8 1000 of the 21 000 applications were positively examined.

This situation raises serious concerns. Polish citizenship, which is simply a privilege, becomes a tool for people who have no real relation with our country. Administrative procedures are overloaded, which affects the efficiency of the offices and may hold the processing of applications by citizens who actually inhabit Poland and request fast service.

The question should be asked whether the current rules on the succession of citizenship are not besides liberal and request to be reviewed to defend the interests of Poland and its citizens.

The next time individual in the planet says that Poland is an anti-Semitic country, I will show him this chart," wrote Radosław Sikorski on platform X.

Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski commented on this situation, stating that anyone who meets legal requirements has the right to apply for Polish citizenship. His message sparked mixed reactions in the country. Critics believe that the Minister underestimates the problem and fails to see the risks associated with the mass granting of citizenship to people who have no applicable relation with Poland.

Sikorski stressed that the European Union passport is attractive worldwide, and Poland should be arrogant that people want to have its citizenship. However, for many Poles specified an approach is naive and ignores the fact that the passport should not be distributed like export goods. They fear that an overly liberal approach to granting citizenship may harm Polish national identity and the interests of the state.