In 2019 over a quarter of all permanent residencies issued from the European Union came from Poland. This ex-USSR territory has been actively seeking for migrant workers to join their teeming workforce. While many may be unfamiliar with Poland, the country has experienced immense economic growth in recent times. Poland currently houses a growing number of bluechip companies anxious to poach talents and their families. At a time, the primary focus of most intending migrants is on Canada, our team of researchers at Globemigrant have uncovered the hidden gem in the heart of Europe. This article compares the two countries to reveal why Poland and not Canada may be the best destination for migrants.
CANADA VS. POLAND: AN OVERVIEW OF TWO NATIONS
Canada is a country located at the Northern part of North America. It has a total of ten provinces and three territories. Its capital is Ottawa. It has a GDP (PPP) of $1.971 trillion and a nominal GDP per capita of $46,232.99. Data from the census conducted in 2016 shows that Canada has a population of 35,151,728.
At the other end of the spectrum sits Poland. Poland is a country whose Republic is located in central Europe. It has sixteen administrative Provinces. Unlike its more prosperous contemporary, Poland’s GDP is $581 billion with a nominal GDP per capita of $15,420.91. On paper, Poland is a far cry from Canada. Earnings are lesser and as such Canada offers an improved chance of a better life.
The truth is far from this. Canada’s GDP per capita has been on a decline, a far cry from its 2011 heights of $52,101.88. In contrast, Poland has seen steady growth in GDP rising from roughly $13, 893.51 in 2011. Only 20 years ago, Poland’s GDP per capita was barely $4,500. Despite the impact of the COvid-19 pandemic, Poland’s economy has no signs of long-term decline. Poland is the most consistent growing economy in the entire EU. Globally, only Australia has had a more consistent growth. Poland has a more reduced cost of living when compared to Canada. Beyond economic growth, it is important that we overview which has been more accepting of migrants.
CANADA VS. POLAND: ATTITUDE TOWARDS MIGRANTS
In 2019, Canada took in a total of 341,180 permanent residents. Below is a breakdown in percentage level; 58% were economic immigrants and their families 27% went in for the family class and the remaining 15% were the refugees.
Poland is the second EU member with the highest number of residence permits issued. Only Croatia has a better statistic. In 2019, 724,000 residence permits were issued out. A vast majority of these were economic immigrants.
In contrast to Canada – which takes about 72 days to process visa applications – Polish visa processing is speedy. It takes 15 to 60 days to process visa to Poland. People migrating to Poland have a 97% chance of gaining visa as the country has a three percent rejection of visa rate.
When considered with a more temperate weather, a decent English-speaking population (40% of Polish residents), affordable education, and moderate cost of living, Poland’s appeal improves exponentially. It may not offer the best wages, but it provides the most opportunities and is more welcoming to immigrants.