UK, Ireland / Fao Poles living in the UK [107]


In answer to your question, I have been residing in the UK for just over four years, and plan to remain here for the rest of my life. This is because I am married to a Scottish woman, and as she does not speak Polish, its easier for us to remain in the UK. Life in the UK is easier for her, and so I am happy to adapt my life to suit her.

UK, Ireland / Best county in UK and why ? [45]

Argyllshire in Scotland is beautiful

UK, Ireland / Polish girl married a British guy - when will she become British citizen? [29]

Okay, first of all once she has lived in the UK for 1 year she can get British residency, then five years after that she can apply for citizenship. I know this because i am married to a Scottish woman (I'm Polish) and this is what I have been told by the home office. I can apply for citizenship, if I want, in 2 years time going by this.

UK, Ireland / Do Polish immigrants wish to stay in UK - long term? [92]

I'm not living in Southampton but I'll just share my opinion. Out of all the Polish people I know, most plan to head home after a few years, although i do know maybe 3 or 4 families who plan to stay here long term. I too plan on staying here for the rest of my life, and its nothing to do with the wages etc. My fiancee (shes scottish, I'm Polish) and I would just rather stay in the UK, as I have no problems with English, life in the UK, etc, where as I would worry about her in Poland where she doesn't speak the language.

Love / Do Polish men shave under their arms ? [45]

I'm 100% not gay, but I shave my armpits - its just more hygienic for me to do it!

UK, Ireland / College Assignment: integration of Polish people into Irish Society [8]


Thats not true, plenty of polish 'migrants' have integrated just fine into British society! Okay, maybe a lot don't, but I know plenty that have....rarely isnt the word to use, its not rare for immigrants to integrate.

UK, Ireland / Glasgow primary schools for the Polish community? [18]

My friend has a five year son in a Glasgow primary school. Hes been in Scotland for a few years, and went through nursery with his wee school friends though. He also never experienced school in Poland, but his parents are happy with his education. I also have a work mate who has a thirteen year old son who had a year in a Glasgow primary, and is now in secondary, and he thinks school is much better here! Thats the opinion of a thirteen year old guy, and I'm not sure what exactly it is he loves so much!

No immigration - When will you realise that not every migrant worker sweeps the streets and cleans toilets?

UK, Ireland / WHY DO POLISH PEOPLE THAT COME TO ENGLAND CAN'T SPEAK ENGLISH? [118]

When I first came to the UK, my English was pretty limited. The reason for this is that I didn't learn it at school and my language skills were entirely self taught. Upon arrival in the UK, it was much easier to pick it up because I was surrounded by English speaking people. Its easier to pick up English in the UK, and no doubt plenty of the Poles that arrive with no English will pick it up whilst here. Thats my experiences anyway.

UK, Ireland / WHY DO POLISH PEOPLE THAT COME TO ENGLAND CAN'T SPEAK ENGLISH? [118]


I'm only 24 and English wasnt taught at my school - it was introduced only to the year group below me. I dont know about schools in other areas, but the only languages I learnt at school were German and Russian.

UK, Ireland / Research on Migration: Polish Workers in the UK [7]

I've just sent you a private messgae - hope it helps!

UK, Ireland / Research on Migration: Polish Workers in the UK [7]


Not everyone in the UK is rasict though and if everyone you came across was then you are clearly very unlucky!

Love / Don't Polish men fall for British women? [57]


I have a lovely Scottish fiancee, and I'm a Polish guy!

UK, Ireland / Getting married to a Polish Citizen in the UK [371]


Since you're within the Polonia - UK and ireland section, are we to assume you want to marry a Polish person in order to gain UK citizenship, or Polish citizenship? You're willing to pay?!? What exactly is it you think about Polish people; that we may be willing to marry simply for money?!

UK, Ireland / Free Flights at Ryanair?! (UK / Poland) [39]

I booked free flights for August (though the flights I booked are now sold out - I wonder why!) the other night! Total for 3 people including taxes and baggage was £170 return!

UK, Ireland / Tell me about Glasgow [59]

Glasgow okay, Im currently living here, but plan to leave once my fiancee finishes uni. Thats only because we're not really city people. Theres plenty to do, and people from all different backgrounds. There is also quite a lot of accomm and its possible to find reasonable priced property,

Downsides; well, my fiancee doesnt feel very safe walking about on her own at night (although this can be said about any city!) Last week there were 2 females murdered within 24 hours of each other in Glasgow.

Like everywhere else, it has its ups and downs....

UK, Ireland / Tell me about Glasgow [59]


Lol, not forgetting the tacky gold jewellery and bleached blonde hair....

Love / Are you in a Polish-nonPolish relationship? [150]

Well said! I'm getting married next month to my lovely Scottish fiancee...the only trouble we had was the language trouble at the start, but that just made things more fun!

UK, Ireland / Poland V's UK - staying or leaving? [11]


Not sure about what everyone else is doing, but I'm here for the long run, and basically has no intention of ever returning to Poland. Many of (Polish) friends here in the UK are planning on returning, as are a few of my family members currently residing in England. However, I have met a couple of families who have settled here and bought houses, etc, so I reckon its pretty mixed......many will head home eventually (or in the not so distant future) and some will stay permanantly.

UK, Ireland / Poland V's UK - staying or leaving? [11]


I have pride in my homeland, and in different circumstances there is a good chance that I would eventually return home. However, in 3 weeks I'm getting married to a Scottish girl, and I just feel life is easier for her here, where she is happy and settled. I still see Poland as my homeland and and will probably always do so, but after almost 5 years here in Scotland, its certainly become like my (second) home.

UK, Ireland / 800K of Polish immigrants in UK don't pay taxes -what do the poles think [190]


Um, first off, why would you believe anything the daily star has to say?! Do you spend your time searching for stuff like this just to post it on here?

Secondly, I don't really get your point, how many British children go out to work?! All children are dependants....not just those of Polish origin.

In order to get state handouts, these wives and grandparents would have to have worked in the UK for a year minimum. They cannot just arrive here and recieve benefits.

UK, Ireland / 800K of Polish immigrants in UK don't pay taxes -what do the poles think [190]


No need for that language in response to my post. I'm sure we can can have a reasonable discussion like adults, without you swearing at me. I have never been out of work, have never visited a doctor, never had to use interpretation in the 5 years I've lived in this country, and do not use the education system. I understand your frustation with regards to immigration, HOWEVER, we are not all scroungers, stealing jobs, as you say 'taking money from our pockets.'

UK, Ireland / 800K of Polish immigrants in UK don't pay taxes -what do the poles think [190]


I do understand your concerns, however, you do give a distinct impression that you hate anybody from Poland.

I would like to ask you though, have you met many Polish people here in Glasgow? If so, were they all so called 'ecomonic migrants,' here making their money and heading back home? I'm just curious as to why it is that you seem to dislike us so much.

UK, Ireland / Polish homeless in the UK [42]

My fiancee worked for a housing charity, and she used to tell me that everyday there would be at least 10 referals from homeless Polish people. She was then part of research into why this was occuring. It was carried out it a confidential way, and she found that people would be very honest with her. The most common finding was that people had left Poland, boasting to neighbours, friends, family, etc, that they were off to the UK for this great new life, and would come back rich. The shame of not achieving this would mean some would rather sleep homeless here in the UK, as opposed to returning to face home.

UK, Ireland / Polish homeless in the UK [42]

I agree with you, and if things hadn't worked out for me, I like to think I would have just headed back home.

However, the study was relatively small (around a hundred participants) and in order to get a bigger picture, right across the UK, it would have had to be bigger. I don't know if this reply would have been common in a bigger group, but it was certainly the feedback recieved from a large majority of those involved in the study.

UK, Ireland / Questions about obtaining a UK mortgage with Polish girlfriend. [24]

Hey Jonny, I found myself in a similar situation, but as a Polish male, recently married to a Scottish female. When we went to buy a house in 2006 we were engaged, and we honesty had not trouble at all getting a mortgage. (from the bank of scotland) However, before getting the house, and sometimes now, I struggle to obtain credit.....getting a house is a completely different situation - you dont pay the mortgage, they reposses your home. When we spoke to the bank manager he said that this reason can actually make it easier to buy a house than get a credit card! I think the fact that you will have such a large deposit can only go in your favour too.

Hope this helps.....

UK, Ireland / Questions about obtaining a UK mortgage with Polish girlfriend. [24]

No bother Johnny. I still have trouble with my credit score, and I sometimes struggle to get finance....but I'm not so sure whether thats to do with my nationalty as my wife sometimes has trouble too - and neither of us have any bad credit. The bank of scotland has an ultimate award account which we both have, and you pay 10 pounds per month for.....apparantly this can build your credit score (or so the bank told us) and getting a contract mobile phone, and making sure its paid each month on time can help.

To be honest though, the advise I was given by the bank was to try for a mortgage first....and if you are not successful initially, they should be able to give you some advise on what to do. You could always go to the bank now, and they are able to tell you after a half hour meeting whether you would be eligible for a mortgage, and how much they could offer you. In Scotland, this offer will remain for 6 months, before you would havto start the process again. If they say that you both would be entitled to a mortgage, then you can stop worrying.....if they say you are not entitled then at least you will have a year to build upon your rating!

I really hope that this makes sense, and it helps!

UK, Ireland / Dating polish guys in London [35]

if u wanna try online, look at polishdating.co.uk