31 March 2008
Embassy accepts first applications for Polish Charter

The Polish embassy in Minsk has received the first applications for the Polish Charter granted to people of Polish descent living in post-Soviet states.

"The first packages of documents have been accepted today from those who wish to get the Polish Charter," Monika Sadkowska, spokeswoman for the embassy, told BelaPAN on Monday. "The consul will handle the documents and make a decision. He has 14 days for this, but the deadline may be extended if need be."

The charter means extensive privileges for the holder such as a free multi-entry visa and the rights to work, set up a company and study in Poland similar to those exercised by Polish nationals.

It is granted under the Polish Charter (Karta Polaka) Law that passed the Polish parliament this past September.

The law unexpectedly came under fire from the Belarusian state media and foreign ministry in February, with the latter alleging that its enforcement may "seriously destabilize interethnic relations in our country, spark tensions in Belarusian society, disrupt its stability and give rise to mistrust between Belarusian nationals of different descent."

Under the Polish Charter Law, the charter will be issued to former Polish citizens and those who have relatives of Polish descent, even in the fourth generation.

It will be given for a period of 10 years and extended for further 10 years upon application.

The charter also will entitle the holder to a 37-percent discount on rail travel in Poland.

According to Polish official statisticians, 900,000 people of Polish descent live in Belarus.