Poland has tightened mobilization rules: what it means for emigrants
23 September 15:20
Since the beginning of 2025, Poland has been subject to amendments to the law on defense. They clearly define that in the event of war, all citizens of the country aged 18 to 60 can receive mobilization calls, even if they have long since left the country, have a job and pay taxes in another country, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Who has exceptions
The legislation provides for a limited number of people who cannot be mobilized:
- people with serious illnesses;
- pregnant women and women who are nursing babies;
- professionals whose qualifications are critical to the country’s defense capability;
- citizens with a second citizenship.
Why it matters now
The amendments were adopted in January 2025. However, they have once again become a topic of discussion due to the threats posed by Russia’s aggressive policy. Gazeta Wyborcza notes that it was the potential risk of a military clash with Russia that prompted the Polish authorities to tighten the rules of mobilization.
What it means for the diaspora
For Poles abroad, this means that they remain formally obliged to serve. If mobilization is declared in Poland, the government may demand the return of even those who have lived outside the country for decades.
At the same time, the EU is still debating how feasible it will be to enforce the law, as the forced return of citizens may contradict the rules of their current countries of residence.
Poland has radically increased its military spending and built up its army in recent years, calling Russia “the biggest security threat.” Warsaw is already planning to increase the number of its armed forces to 300,000 and is actively purchasing modern weapons from the United States and South Korea.
