Govt struggles to track citizens studying in Polan...

Govt struggles to track citizens studying in Poland

Nyashadzashe Ndoro- Chief Reporter

The Zimbabwean government has acknowledged it lacks precise figures on the number of its citizens studying in Poland and is facing challenges in confirming the authenticity of the educational institutions they attend.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Sheillah Chikomo informed Parliament on Wednesday that estimates suggest around 13,000 Zimbabweans are in Poland, but many have made private arrangements and have not registered with the Zimbabwean Embassy in Germany, which also oversees Poland.

"The report of the significant population of Zimbabweans residing in Poland on this community comprises not only students but also truck drivers who have been attracted to Poland for various opportunities and disperse throughout Poland," Chikomo stated.

“Poland serves as a gateway to Europe and the United Kingdom, making it an appealing destination for many Zimbabweans. In terms of figures, current estimates are just that they are around 13 000 Zimbabwean students in Poland. However, many of the students who are studying in Poland have made private arrangements to be in that country and have not reached out to our Embassy in Germany which is also accredited to Poland to notify of their presence of stay. This has made it difficult for our Embassy to accurately determine the number of Zimbabweans in Poland."

The Minister also indicated that joint efforts with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to ascertain the actual number have so far been unsuccessful. The Embassy now plans to send a delegation to Poland to conduct an on-the-ground investigation.

A key factor attracting Zimbabwean students to Poland is the relatively low university fees, with institutions like Vincent Pol University in Lublin being a popular choice.

Chikomo confirmed that VPU is officially registered with the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Tertiary Education, and recognised for awarding Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He also stated that VPU recently saw approximately 300 Zimbabwean students graduate.

Concerns, however, remain regarding the authenticity of other institutions attended by Zimbabwean students.

Emakhandeni-Luveve MP, Discent Bajila, pressed the Minister for details on verification efforts, particularly for those students known to the Embassy.

In response, Chikomo reiterated that the upcoming embassy trip to Poland is crucial for a comprehensive assessment.

"I have alluded that the members will travel to Poland for some days to conduct a comprehensive exercise within the country, so by then, that is when we will know exactly how many students are registered. Like you have already mentioned, some students have gone there on their personal will.

"So we would not know where they are and what they are doing but as 1 have told you from what I have just said earlier, kindly note that the Embassy will travel to Poland to provide you with that comprehensive response, I thank you," she said.