In recent weeks, former Belarusian political prisoners have encountered difficulties when trying to open bank accounts in Poland, particularly at PKO Bank Polski, which has recently introduced additional requirements. Many former political prisoners are unable to open an account due to the lack of documentation justifying the need for an account (such as an employment contract, rental agreement, etc.).
Applicants for asylum and international protection, who receive relevant social benefits, require a bank account for these purposes. However, they are unable to open one because, when holding only a Belarusian passport, they cannot yet provide documentation justifying the need for an account (like an employment or rental contract) as required by banks. After submitting an application for protection or asylum, their passports are confiscated, preventing them from opening an account without an ID document — even if, by that time, they may already have documentation verifying the need for an account, such as a decision regarding financial assistance.
On November 12, 2024, Pavel Latushka, Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, sent a letter to the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (Komisja Nadzoru Finansowego), requesting that banks accept temporary identity documents issued to foreigners applying for asylum or international protection, as well as travel documents for foreigners for those with expired Belarusian passports (in previous correspondence, the Polish Ministry of the Interior confirmed that a travel document could be accepted as proof of identity).
In addition, Pavel Latushka emphasized in his letter to the KNF the importance of allowing account opening without additional requirements for holders of humanitarian visas.
On May 28, 2024, Pavel Latushka had already contacted the KNF regarding issues with account openings and the blocking of mobile and online banking at Santander Bank. A response from the KNF on June 21 provided a partial resolution to this issue. We hope a solution will again be found in the interests of Belarusian citizens residing in Poland.
It is also important to note that bank clients, in cases of rights violations, may file a complaint directly with the bank. They can also seek advice on their disputes from the Financial Ombudsman or regional consumer rights ombudsmen, as well as from non-governmental consumer protection organizations.
Organizations dedicated to consumer protection offer free consultations, represent and act in the interests of consumers, and provide assistance in bringing cases to court and managing them.
The Financial Ombudsman, in turn, has the authority to initiate lawsuits on behalf of clients in cases related to unfair market practices by banks and, with the consent of the plaintiff, can participate in ongoing proceedings.
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