Had PiS not utilized the subject of migrants to build hatred in society and fear as a political tool, I would most likely not be curious in the visa scandal. It would be a substance of informing the public, but above all for the prosecution.
The visa scandal is 1 of the most serious scandals in the PiS period. It is about mass, illegal issuance of visas to nationals of countries outside the European Union – mainly from Asia and Africa – in exchange for bribes.
The procedure covered 366 1000 visas. They were issued without appropriate control, without verification of data, frequently in just a fewer hours.
By comparison – between 2018 and 2022 the government of the Law and Justice Office issued a full of 6.5 million visas. 6.5 million visas!!! These 366 000 may seem only a "drop in the sea", but this "drop" has caused an global crisis of trust.
When we talk about the crisis on the Polish-German border, the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border should be added. In 2021, 11 232 migrants arrived in Germany with a “Belarusian image”. In 2022 there were 8,511, and in 2023 – 11,881.
Today, PiS, utilizing Bąkiewicz, unleashed hell in people's minds, trying to shift work to others. Meanwhile, the problem of readmission from Germany or closure of the border is primarily the consequence of the actions of the Law and Justice Office: issuing visas and residence permits limited to the territory of Poland and passing migrants who illegally crossed the border with Belarus.
Key facts on the visa scandal:
• The procedure was organized and systemic – it included the Ministry of abroad Affairs, consulates and private intermediaries.
• The bribes even reached a twelve 1000 dollars.
• Beneficiaries included people from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nigeria, Iran and India, among others.
• Polish visa holders were free to decision around the Schengen area.
International scandal:
• The EU – including Germany, Austria and the Netherlands – managed explanations from the Polish government explaining the growth of illegal migration from Poland. Germany has restored controls at the border with Poland.
• Even the US responded officially – the State Department expressed concern.
And a part of past – the words of the abroad Minister of the Government of PiS, Jack Chaputowicz:
"A fewer 1000 migrants a period have late passed through Poland. We recognise that there is no problem due to the fact that they do not halt in our country”
So I ask: Was it a migration policy or a smuggling business undercover?
