Belarusians residing in Poland on humanitarian grounds can invite relatives through a consul on the basis of a notarized invitation. This follows from a response by the Polish Foreign Ministry to inquiries submitted by Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet Paval Latushka.
Belarusians holding temporary residence permits in Poland have encountered difficulties when attempting to invite relatives. The Polish Consulate in Minsk had stated that holders of temporary residence permits could invite their parents only on the basis of an invitation issued by a provincial office. Provincial authorities, in turn, explained that such invitations can be issued only by a foreigner who has legally and continuously resided in Poland for at least five years, or who holds a permanent residence permit or long-term EU resident status.
Paval Latushka appealed to the Polish Foreign Ministry regarding the issue. The ministry noted that Belarusian citizens residing in Poland on humanitarian grounds may use notarized invitations.
“When it comes to Belarusian citizens residing in the Republic of Poland on the basis of humanitarian visas, temporary residence permits granted for humanitarian reasons, or subsidiary protection, it should be clearly emphasized that the closest family members of these persons (parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren) are eligible to apply for visas on the basis of notarized invitations,” the ministry said in its response.
The Foreign Ministry added that, in correspondence with a consul, such individuals should indicate that they hold a residence permit in Poland granted on humanitarian grounds.
“In order for a consul to make the correct decision regarding the application of preferential procedures in a specific case, they must have complete information about the inviting person. Any misunderstandings may result from an incomplete understanding of the circumstances of the case,” the Polish Foreign Ministry explained.
