"Under My Responsibility." Belarusian Truck Driver Drove Illegally Around Europe for Four Months

The man shared his story with Most.

Many Belarusian truck drivers come to work in Poland on work visas, and then apply for a residence permit (karta pobytu). The processing of the application can take months or even years. When the visa expires, drivers continue to stay in Poland legally and do not lose their right to work, but they cannot travel on international routes.

Some travel back home for a new visa, but not everyone has this opportunity. Others go on vacation, including unpaid leave, or look for opportunities to drive only within Poland. But often, truck drivers go on international routes even without a residence permit – at their own risk, so as not to lose their source of income.

"They Promised Everything Would Be Ready Now"

Before moving to Poland, Andrei was involved in cargo transportation in Belarus. Five years ago, he decided to go work as a truck driver in Europe. Throughout this time, the man has been working for the same Polish transport company. He first arrived in Poland on a work visa, which he received by invitation from his employer.

— Back then, everything was quick and without problems. I also received my first residence permit quickly, — the man recalls.

Its validity period ended in December 2025. Andrei submitted an application for a new residence permit in advance, in June 2025, in Łódź — through intermediaries. But he did not receive a new one within six months.

— I decided not to get a visa — it's long and expensive. Besides, the assistants promised that everything would be ready now, everything was under control.

Andrei received a decision on his application only in April 2026. Throughout this time, he continued to drive on routes across Europe.

— The employer warned me that he was sending me on a trip under my responsibility and that I could face deportation for it. But I have a wife and two small children in Belarus, so I decided to continue working, — says Andrei.

According to the man, there were no incidents during these four months. However, he understood that he was taking a risk.

— The transport inspection, which stops vehicles for checks in Europe, as a rule, does not check documents unrelated to transport. They check the license, Code 95 (driver's professional competence certificate), vehicle documents, CMR (international consignment note). This was the case during these four months: no one checked the passport.

According to Andrei, he also knows about a more unusual case. One of his colleagues lost his Belarusian passport and drove without it for about two months.

What Are the Potential Consequences for the Driver and Employer

Most asked Antanina P., a legalization specialist, about the possible consequences.

One of the possible consequences of violating the rules of a foreigner's stay in Poland can be a decision on the obligation to return to the country of origin — *decyzja o zobowiązaniu cudzoziemca do powrotu*. For voluntary departure, 8 to 30 days are given. Leaving for another EU country is not considered fulfillment of the decision. If there is a risk that the foreigner will hide or evade its execution, the return may be arranged by force.

In addition, the foreigner may be banned from entering the Schengen area for a period of six months to ten years.

The decision can be appealed to the Chief Commander of the Polish Border Guard within seven days of its receipt. However, filing an appeal does not, by itself, suspend the execution of the decision.

— Does the employer bear responsibility in such cases?

— The employer's responsibility depends on the circumstances of the specific case. If the foreigner worked legally in Poland and fulfilled the employment conditions, the mere fact that he violated border crossing rules does not mean that the employer is automatically responsible for it. However, based on a separate inspection of the driver's documents and compliance with transport rules, the company may be fined.

According to Antanina P., the State Labour Inspectorate of Poland (PIP) obliges the employer to check the document confirming the legality of a foreigner's stay in Poland. However, according to the specialist, a separate obligation to check their ability to cross the border is not stipulated by law.

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