In recent decade, Poland has seen an increase in immigration to their country. In July of
2012, Poland created their first amnesty laws in reaction to the increase in immigration.It is approximated that there are 40,000 illegal immigrants
currently living in Poland. The largest percentage of this group is immigrants of Vietnamese decent, the second largest being
of Pakistanis decent, and third largest being of Ukrainian decent. Poland’s
government gave an amnesty rule to those living Poland since December of 2007,
who have not left the country for a period of longer than six months, are granted
a two year residency and permit for the right to work. Opportunities for work and higher income has persuaded immigrants to consider moving to Poland.
Poland has a developing economy which is set to increase greatly by 2050. Based on the HSBC report of shifting economies in 2050, Poland is projected to be home to the 24th largest economy in the world. With this increasing economy also comes an increase in income. In 2010, Poland had an income per capita of $6,563. By 2050, it is projected that Poland will have an income per capita of $24,547. Immigration can be expected to increase due to job opportunities and hopes for higher income. Poland's shrinking population, set to decrease by 7 million people in 2050, leaves the range of working-age citizens to drop. As a result, Poland will need more immigrant workers to support this growing economy. Growing populations in lesser developed countries are turning out a large number of working-age individuals. The increase in working-age individuals in these populations will lead to an increase in unemployment when job opportunities dwindle due to large populations. Working-age individuals from these countries will be forced to look for economic opportunities in other areas of the world, such as Poland.
BBC Article on Poland's amnesty rule
HSBC 2050 report
2. Aging Population in Poland
Poland's shrinking population is also becoming a rapidly aging population. In 2010, 13% of Poland's population was aged 65 or over. In 2010, life expectancy for Poland was at 76 years old for both sexes. Medical advances and possible reforms in health care ensure that Poland's life expectancy will only continue to grow. With an aging population, Poland is experiencing a decrease in working-age individuals. The elderly support ratio looks at the number of working-age individuals to support an elderly person. In 2010 in Poland, there were 5 working age individuals to every one elderly person. By 2050, this number is set to drop to 2 working-age individuals for every one elderly person. Poland's growing economy may face a new problem in establishing care for elderly residents.
In response to the increase in life expectancy, Poland has been making changes to their retirement age. In May 2012, lawmakers approved an increase in retirement age for Poland residents. The age of retirement is set to increase annually. By 2020, male residents will have a retirement age of 67 years old, compared to their current age of 65. By 2040, women resident will have a retirement age of 67 years old as well, compared to their current age of 60. In response to this, protests were seen in Poland by residents unhappy with this change. Yet, Poland lawmakers passed this law to keep up with economic development and changes increased life expectancy.
Yahoo News Article: Poland's lawmakers approve retirement age hike
3. Pollution and Environmental Concerns
Poland is currently facing a problem in meeting EU standards for greenhouse gas emissions. However, pollution will serve to be a large problem for Poland in 2050. Poland is facing problems in disposal of hazardous waste, sulfur dioxide emission from coal-fired power plants, and forest damage due to acid rain. In 2050, air pollution is projected to be the top environmental cause of premature mortality. If this proves to be true, Poland may see an increase in morality rates in 2050, shrinking their population further. Water quality may also be a problem if Poland does not show any improvement. In 2012, it was reported that 77% of people said they were satisfied with water quality in Poland. This number is lower then the OECD average of 85%.
OECD Environmental Life Survey
4. Health Care for Elderly Population
As previously stated, Poland is seeing the largest aging population they have ever experienced. As a result, there is going to be a need for an increase in health programs for the elderly. In 2050, when the elderly population is at its highest historically, Poland will face a population problem of providing proper care for the elder population. Poland has been developing programs encouraging the youth population and visitors from other countries to volunteer time with the elderly to provide companionship. A problem currently with Poland's health care system is the amount of wait time for an individual to see a physician. In terms of the elderly, problems presented such as combination of diseases can result in higher morality rates if the problem is not addressed in a timely fashion. However, lack of nursing homes and available physicians will serve problems for Poland's elderly population in 2050.
5. Shrinking Working Age Population
With the growing elderly population in Poland, there is a decrease in working aged individuals. A decrease in working age individuals means that Poland's workforce could slowly decrease by 2050. With Poland's growing economy, more jobs will continue to appear requiring individuals to fill the role of workers. In order to meet this need, Poland will most likely depend on immigration to fulfill economic needs. Lack of immigration could cause Poland's growing economy to reach financial troubles. Poland, not being able to keep up with their economy, will lose their economic strength and influence.
BBC Article on Poland's amnesty rule
HSBC 2050 report
2. Aging Population in Poland
Poland's shrinking population is also becoming a rapidly aging population. In 2010, 13% of Poland's population was aged 65 or over. In 2010, life expectancy for Poland was at 76 years old for both sexes. Medical advances and possible reforms in health care ensure that Poland's life expectancy will only continue to grow. With an aging population, Poland is experiencing a decrease in working-age individuals. The elderly support ratio looks at the number of working-age individuals to support an elderly person. In 2010 in Poland, there were 5 working age individuals to every one elderly person. By 2050, this number is set to drop to 2 working-age individuals for every one elderly person. Poland's growing economy may face a new problem in establishing care for elderly residents.
In response to the increase in life expectancy, Poland has been making changes to their retirement age. In May 2012, lawmakers approved an increase in retirement age for Poland residents. The age of retirement is set to increase annually. By 2020, male residents will have a retirement age of 67 years old, compared to their current age of 65. By 2040, women resident will have a retirement age of 67 years old as well, compared to their current age of 60. In response to this, protests were seen in Poland by residents unhappy with this change. Yet, Poland lawmakers passed this law to keep up with economic development and changes increased life expectancy.
Yahoo News Article: Poland's lawmakers approve retirement age hike
3. Pollution and Environmental Concerns
Poland is currently facing a problem in meeting EU standards for greenhouse gas emissions. However, pollution will serve to be a large problem for Poland in 2050. Poland is facing problems in disposal of hazardous waste, sulfur dioxide emission from coal-fired power plants, and forest damage due to acid rain. In 2050, air pollution is projected to be the top environmental cause of premature mortality. If this proves to be true, Poland may see an increase in morality rates in 2050, shrinking their population further. Water quality may also be a problem if Poland does not show any improvement. In 2012, it was reported that 77% of people said they were satisfied with water quality in Poland. This number is lower then the OECD average of 85%.
OECD Environmental Life Survey
4. Health Care for Elderly Population
As previously stated, Poland is seeing the largest aging population they have ever experienced. As a result, there is going to be a need for an increase in health programs for the elderly. In 2050, when the elderly population is at its highest historically, Poland will face a population problem of providing proper care for the elder population. Poland has been developing programs encouraging the youth population and visitors from other countries to volunteer time with the elderly to provide companionship. A problem currently with Poland's health care system is the amount of wait time for an individual to see a physician. In terms of the elderly, problems presented such as combination of diseases can result in higher morality rates if the problem is not addressed in a timely fashion. However, lack of nursing homes and available physicians will serve problems for Poland's elderly population in 2050.
5. Shrinking Working Age Population
With the growing elderly population in Poland, there is a decrease in working aged individuals. A decrease in working age individuals means that Poland's workforce could slowly decrease by 2050. With Poland's growing economy, more jobs will continue to appear requiring individuals to fill the role of workers. In order to meet this need, Poland will most likely depend on immigration to fulfill economic needs. Lack of immigration could cause Poland's growing economy to reach financial troubles. Poland, not being able to keep up with their economy, will lose their economic strength and influence.
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