Living in Poland as a foreigner can be rewarding, but challenges like unpaid wages, discrimination, or contract issues may arise. This guide offers essential information about organizations and institutions providing free legal and social support to immigrants, ensuring your rights are protected. Whether you're facing workplace issues, racial discrimination, or residency concerns, help is available from trusted sources. Learn where to turn for advice and assistance in overcoming these obstacles and securing a safer, fairer life in Poland.
Living in a foreign country comes with many opportunities, but also challenges. Whether it’s unpaid wages, an unfair employer, contract difficulties, or facing discrimination and racism in daily life – knowing where to seek support is crucial. In Poland, several institutions and organizations provide free legal assistance to immigrants.
Most employers in Poland strive to create fair and lawful workplaces. If you experience any difficulties, it is always worth discussing them first with your coordinator, employer or HR department before seeking external assistance. Many issues can be resolved through open communication and mediation. However, if the problem persists despite all efforts to resolve it internally, you may seek guidance from the following institutions.
Organizations Supporting Immigrants
There are various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and public institutions that assist foreigners with legal matters. These organizations operate independently and are not affiliated with HireQ App, Urban Recruitment, or Blumfeld. All essential support and guidance can be found within our community, ensuring that your needs are met without referring you elsewhere. Here are some of the most important ones:
1. Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights (HFHR)
- Provides free legal assistance to foreigners, including victims of labor exploitation, racism, and discrimination.
- Offers legal consultations on employment, discrimination, and residency issues.
- Assists with translating and filing complaints to labor authorities and anti-discrimination institutions.
- Contact: www.hfhr.pl
2. Association for Legal Intervention (SIP)
- Specializes in assisting immigrants, asylum seekers, and individuals facing residency issues in Poland.
- Provides legal representation in court for labor disputes, discrimination cases, and racial profiling incidents.
- Conducts research on migrants’ working and living conditions to advocate for policy improvements.
- Contact: www.interwencjaprawna.pl
3. The Ocalenie Foundation
- Supports immigrants with legal matters, labor rights, and protection against workplace and public discrimination.
- Offers psychological support for workers and individuals facing racial harassment.
- Provides integration programs to help immigrants navigate Polish society.
- Contact: www.ocalenie.org.pl
4. Migrant Info Point (for those in Poznań and surrounding areas)
- Provides legal and social support.
- Organizes workshops on labor law, workers’ rights, and anti-discrimination policies in Poland.
- Offers guidance on dealing with racism and reporting hate crimes.
- Contact: www.migrant.poznan.pl
5. NOMADA (for those in Wrocław)
- Assists migrants with legal and integration issues.
- Offers psychological and legal aid for individuals experiencing workplace exploitation, discrimination, or racial abuse.
- Provides mediation support in conflicts with employers, landlords, and public authorities.
- Contact: www.nomada.info.pl
Where to Report Employer Issues or Discrimination?
If you experience issues at work, in public spaces, or in housing, including wage disputes, contract problems, discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity, gender, or religion, or even racial harassment, the first step is to discuss them with the responsible party (employer, landlord, or authority). In many cases, problems can be resolved through communication and mediation. However, if the issue persists and internal resolution is not possible, there are institutions that can provide guidance and mediation.
- State Labor Inspectorate (PIP) – the institution that monitors labor law compliance and works with employers to help them meet legal requirements.
- Labor Court – if mediation does not resolve the issue, you may seek legal advice.
- Trade Unions – they can represent your interests in labor disputes.
- NGOs – some of them offer mediation services with employers and support for victims of discrimination and racial harassment.
- The Commissioner for Human Rights (Rzecznik Praw Obywatelskich) – investigates cases of discrimination in employment, housing, and public services.
- Police & Prosecutor’s Office – for serious cases of racial abuse, hate crimes, or physical harassment.
How to Report an Issue?- Find your nearest labor inspection office: www.pip.gov.pl
- For discrimination and racism, contact the Commissioner for Human Rights: www.rpo.gov.pl
- File a complaint online or in person. You can remain anonymous!
- Provide as much evidence as possible, including emails, contracts, or recorded incidents.
- Follow up with the institution if you do not receive a response within a reasonable timeframe.
We have covered the topic of workers’ rights in detail in another article, which you can find in the ‘Guides’ section of this group. How Does the State Labor Inspectorate (PIP) Work?
- PIP helps ensure fair working conditions and compliance with labor law. Many issues can be resolved through mediation between employers and employees before further action is taken.
- Inspectors work with employers to ensure compliance with labor law and provide guidance on improving workplace conditions.
- Every employee (including immigrants!) can file a complaint – simply describe the issue and provide company details.
- PIP can assist in ensuring fair employment conditions and resolving disputes when necessary.
- In cases of discrimination, PIP can refer the matter to the appropriate authorities.
Additional Support for Immigrants
Recruitment agencies and employers often provide support in navigating legal and administrative matters, so it is always worth consulting them first. If you or someone you know is facing labor law violations, discrimination, or racial abuse, you can find all the essential guidance and support within our group. These resources are designed to support fair employment relationships and help immigrants integrate safely into Polish society. Feel free to ask questions, share experiences, and seek assistance here – we are here to help! Poland has laws in place to protect all workers, including foreigners, and help is available.
Stay Connected and Get More Support!
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Coming soon in the premium section of the HireQ App:
How to Handle Workplace Conflicts Effectively? – negotiation tips and resolution strategies How to Build a Good Relationship with Your Employer? – communication strategies for long-term career growth Understanding Your Employment Contract – What Should You Pay Attention To? – key clauses explained How to Ask for a Raise or Better Work Conditions? – negotiation techniques for career progression Final Thoughts
I know how overwhelming it can be to navigate a new country’s legal system, especially when facing challenges like workplace issues or discrimination. You’re not alone, and there are people and organizations ready to help. Remember, seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness, but a step towards building a safer and more stable life in Poland. Stay informed, stand up for yourself when needed, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. You’ve got this!
Yours,
Karo.
Yours,
Karo.
