An enquiry into emigration from Poland

Hi there. Let me start this off by saying that I have absolutely nothing against Polish people, my best friend is Polish, my girlfriend is Polish through and through and I have actually just returned from a sight seeing trip in Krakow. This aside, I'm curious as to why there are so many Polish people coming into the country? I live in Scotland (this is important), and I kid you not, there are Polish people everything, 6% of our total population to be precise. My Polish tutor (I learn Polish so I can converse with my girlfriend) told me it is because Poland is very expensive and wages are good over here, but when I was in Krakow I found things like food, drink and petrol to be very cheap? 20p a litre cheaper for petrol, £7 cheaper on average for alcohol and food was practically half the cost? I can't help but feel there is a more in-depth reason? When I flew from Glasgow to Krakow, the plane was half full, when I flew from Krakow to Glasgow, every single seat on the plane was taken? what's anybody else's views on this?.................

Pozdrawiam!

Speaking to Polish friends the general concensus is that the basics cost about the same ( I think they are a bit cheaper in PL but not much) but the wages here are much better.

It's simple. Polish people receive low wages in their own Country. That is why you find it so cheap when you visit. It''s not that cheap for the Polish residents :(

They became part of the EU and this allowed them to work outside of their own country for better wages/salaries. Doesn't take a genius to work that one out. Why so surprised ? You would do exactly the same if you were in that position and wanted to earn a bit more money.

Have UK people really become so complacent, to think that everyone is enjoying the same high wages and high standard of living that they are ?

Some Eastern European countries are 'poor' not from their own making but by being repressed by a communist regime in the past. It will take time for them to build up their wealth. The United Kingdom has never been in that situation. Surely, your Polish friends can tell you all this ? If not, I just have <s>

I heard that they like William Wallace very much... yawn...

Hey - whats not to like about the guy ! ( Best thing ever to come out of Australia )

Also, the political situation is a joke and the bureaucracy you have to deal with on a day to day basis is life sapping...

Blaming every single problem on the Communist oppression is a joke. Poland was 'bida i nedza' before the war and there was no communism in place (that is why there was so much support for socialist parties)