Since 2008, citizens of the CIS and the Baltic States may obtain a special document - the Card of the Pole.What it is?What are the benefits it gives the owner?I should say that about the last question happened a lot of myths.Allegedly, the Pole's Card is equivalent to a visa or a permit for permanent residence.In this article we will try to learn what is truth, and that - a myth.We also tell you how to get the Card of the Pole, which stages this involves a long process, and what information you need to take note of in order to avoid failure at the Consulate.
How did this type of document
After some in Poland were in the Russian Empire, a lot of its citizens were relocated to the east.People were exiled to hard labor in Siberia, and after the Second World War, the border between Poland and the Soviet Union moved to the west.Mazovia and Podkarpacie moved into the Ukraine and Belarus.Map Pole (Karta polaka) - a document that called for a return to those who had not yet lost its cultural and spiritual ties with their historical homeland, some of the rights enjoyed by their countrymen.It was adopted during the presidency of Lech Kaczynski and began to be issued to citizens of the Baltic republics and the CIS countries since 2008.
Who may apply for a card
It follows from the logic of the development of the document, it is issued to ethnic Poles, and only those who feel so."You were so long in the heart of the White Eagle (symbol of the country present in its coat of arms) - said Lech Kaczynski - now the birthplace of hands you a paper with him."To prove that you are feeling a Pole, you need to demonstrate knowledge of the language, history, geography, political system of this country.You also need to prove your genealogical roots.Enough to have on the family tree of at least one great-grandfather or great-grandmother (with documentary evidence of their Polish origin and your relationship to them), to qualify for the Card of the Pole.There is a myth that you need to have relatives living in this country.It is not true.How to Get the Card of the Pole if your ancestors were born on the territory of that State, have already died?In this case, refer to the archives with the request to issue the statement.
What privileges gives this document
addition to deep moral satisfaction in connection with the reunification of the spiritual ties with their homeland, Polish Map gives its holder a number of benefits.Chief among them - this is the opportunity to obtain long-term visas with multiple entries.You can stay in the country at least 365 days a year!However, this visa is the Card of the Pole - not Schengen, and for crossing the western cordons Rzeczpospolita you may be fined and deported.Card of the Pole Holder also has the right to legally work without such permission.Along with the citizens of such a person may engage in entrepreneurial activity, receive free education at all levels, and in extreme cases - and medical care.If you are subject to any laws of the country, giving benefits (for pensioners, the disabled, and so on. D.), You can use when buying train tickets a discount of 37%, and free use of Polish museums.
For how long is the document
Map Pole valid for ten years.Three months before the end of this period should contact the Consulate with the appropriate application of the extension.How to Get the Card of the Pole to the child?If both parents have this document, the problems should arise.If the child is too small, the petition expressed by parents.In the case where a minor is 16 years old, he expressed a desire to receive the document.If the Card of the Pole has only one parent, the other in the presence of Consul expressed consent to the issuance of son or daughter of this document.When the child comes of age, the Pole Map, regardless of when it was issued, loses its validity period of one year.To extend it to ten years, which has already become an adult person must file a complaint with the Consulate.Also, the document becomes invalid when a person acquires the citizenship of Poland.This happens in the case of a legal residence permit in the country.
Registration Card at the Pole
Now consider a long, but not a difficult process getting this coveted document.First you need to register, ie to make an appointment for an interview.This must be done in the community.For example, if you are registered in Grodno, the Polish Embassy in Minsk, you will not accept.Each consular department of the rules of registration of citizens.Somewhere you can do it only by phone.But on the territory of Ukraine is required to register on the site.Questionnaire to be filled in the Polish language, can also be downloaded from the Internet.Note the date and time of the interview comes to e-mail the applicant.As a general rule, it should take place a few months after registration.
interview on Polish Card
Do not be afraid of him!You are not forced to recite a memorized poem Mickiewicz (though to hit the consul does not interfere learn a short excerpt).As the law itself on the Polish Card, the person claiming to receive this document, you need to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge of colloquial Polish language, as well as a smattering of traditions and customs of the people.Consuls who take an interview, behave friendly and not "fill up."The conversation is conducted in a relaxed tone.Pray tell us about yourself, why you want to map the Pole, what do you know about the region.Enough talk about the major cities, the mountains, the sea, called the world renowned scholars and cultural figures.You may be asked about the religious holidays that are celebrated in Poland.
Getting Maps
When the consul found that the documents proving your ethnic origin, nefalshivye, the level of knowledge of the language and traditions are sufficient, and your desire to join the historic homeland sincere, it gives you to sign the Declaration on supplies to the PolishPeople.After this, you indicate a period (usually a month and a half) where you can come to get Maps.This is no visa fee is not charged!Polish Card issued in a solemn ceremony, to several applicants.
Mediation cultural societies (local associations)
How to Get the Card of the Pole in the simplest way?In the big cities of Ukraine and Belarus, the local cell of national minorities.It would be nice to join the Polish cultural center.Membership fees there are small, but mediation support such organizations can provide you considerable.Firstly, the chairmen of these cells are constantly in touch with the Embassy or consular offices in Poland.Therefore, it will not be difficult to contact them by phone and register you.In Belarus, for example, the main problem is precisely to reach the Consulate.Secondly, if you are going to stay a member of the association for three years, you may qualify for a certificate confirming your active participation in the cultural activities of national minorities.If you do not have the necessary documents to prove their Polish origin, such statements may be sufficient.And, thirdly, dealing with people from fraternities, you will gain experience in speaking, broaden their horizons about the history and culture of the region.It can further help you to answer the questions on the Card of the Pole in the interview.
