Apostille Surprise: Poland's Family Reunification Process Throws a Curveball for Ukrainians

Poland: Unexpected Apostille Requirement for Ukrainian Family Reunification In Poland, Ukrainians seeking family reunification are encountering an unexpected hurdle. Despite a bilateral agreement between Poland and Ukraine eliminating the need for apostilization of birth certificates, many applicants are now being asked to provide apostilled documents. This creates delays and additional expenses for families already navigating a complex process. "They are requesting apostilled birth certificates," explains one woman who recently experienced this issue, "even though the agreement says it shouldn't be necessary." The situation highlights the challenges faced by those seeking to reunite with family members. While the official agreement exists, the inconsistent application of the rules is causing significant problems. This underscores the need for clear communication and consistent application of regulations to ensure a smoother process for Ukrainian families seeking reunification in Poland. Experts suggest that those applying for family reunification should be prepared to provide apostilled documents, regardless of the existing agreement, to avoid delays. Despite the difficulties, the ongoing efforts of Polish authorities to support Ukrainian refugees remain a positive sign of international cooperation during a time of crisis.