The Sejm is working on a bill that will significantly change the way foreigners legalize their stay in Poland. The biggest novelty is expected to be the expansion of the Case Service Module (MOS) - system, which is intended to streamline the digital handling of foreigners and relieve the burden on provincial offices.
Digitization of foreigners' service is expected to speed up administrative processes, reduce formal errors and improve communication between offices and applicants. But, experts note, as technology advances, so does the risk of fraud and data leaks.
What is the Case Support Module (MOS)?
MOS is a modern online system for handling foreigners' cases, run by the Office for Foreigners.
Thanks to it, applications for temporary residence, permanent residence or long-term EU resident status are to be submitted exclusively electronically.
The system enables:
- Completing and submitting online forms,
- Access to required documents and instructions,
- Avoiding formal errors with automatic prompts,
- Preparation of letters and applications step by step in several languages,
- signing documents with a trusted profile or qualified electronic signature.
In theory, it's a huge convenience - both for foreigners and the employment agencies and employers who help them legalize.
MOS in practice - what does it change for employment agencies and employers?
The digitization of MOS's handling of foreigners is a major step forward toward transparency and automation of processes.
For agencies and companies, this means:
- Faster handling of paperwork - Fewer errors, shorter waiting time.
- Greater transparency - foreigners have access to information in their own language, which minimizes misunderstandings.
- More secure processes - The ability to control the status of documents on an ongoing basis.
- Better competitiveness - Agencies that efficiently use MOS gain an advantage in the HR services market.
The main risks associated with MOS
Like any digital revolution, MOS also carries some risks:
- Deficiencies in the IT system - technical errors or lack of portal availability can hold up processes.
- Lack of full integration with provincial offices - Not all decisions are made digitally, which lengthens procedures.
- The risk of misfilling - system does not eliminate human error, and the responsibility still rests with the foreigner or agency.
- Security of personal data - MOS collects sensitive data; strict RODO rules must be applied.
- Overconfidence in the system - MOS is no substitute for actual verification and contact with the office.
Recommendations for agencies and companies
To take full advantage of the potential of digitization while minimizing risks, it is worthwhile:
- Treat the MOS as an auxiliary tool, not the only source of information.
- Verify the status of documents of foreigners also directly at the office.
- Train coordinators and HR departments In the use of the MOS portal.
- Put in place data security procedures (RODO) compliant.
- Inform user employers, that the system does not exempt legal employment.
Digitizing the service for foreigners is a step in the right direction - toward a more efficient, modern administration. However, MOS will not solve all the problems alone.
Only a combination of technology and a responsible approach by agencies and employers will ensure effective and safe processes for legalizing the work of foreigners.