Poland as an emigration and an immigration country – dynamics of change from the local and individual perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACT Since the EU accession in 2004 Poland witnessed the biggest migration flows in the contemporary history, first mainly outflows to the Western European countries and recently also inflows from Eastern European countries. This movements have been a challenge especially for local communities experiencing an influx of significant numbers of people. The aim of this paper is to assess the interrelated nature of the two parallel processes of migration inflow and outflow. The two key questions are raised: how do multidirectional migrations influence the territorial dimension of the convergence process observed since the 1990 systemic transformation? and how these processes have been perceived among those who participate in them directly, and other inhabitants of receiving/sending areas? To allow for and facilitate comparisons between various aspects of migration the PESTEL analytical framework was used. The research confirmed that migrations influence the development and living standards in terms both structural and spatial. The perception of migratory processes differs between the representatives of local government (opportunity) and regular inhabitants (also a threat). These are mostly not just the kind of concerns known from Western European examples (cultural differences and competition on the labour market), as they often involve anxieties regarding access to public services.