Identification

In Poland, the identification process of a victim of human trafficking can be divided into two main parts: informal identification and formal identification.

In general, presumed victims of human trafficking do not have to be formally identified in order to receive assistance and support from the National Intervention and Consultation Centre for Victims of Trafficking (KCIK). Social assistance institutions, on the other hand, provide assistance only to people who have been formally identified by law enforcement authorities. 

Informal identification

Informal identification refers to an analysis of the indicators of trafficking in human beings. It is  carried out by entities that are not law enforcement authorities, such as: 

• Organisations that support victims of trafficking in human beings or act on behalf of foreigners
• Employees of the Office for Foreigners (UdsC) based on information contained in international protection application and/or other documents
• Healthcare professionals who identify individuals who need special treatment or social assistance during the international protection process
• Psychologists, medical staff, or employees of the Office for Foreigners
• Social workers in social assistance institutions
• Inspectors of the State Labour Inspectorate (PIP) during inspections

Formal identification

Formal identification refers to the activities of law enforcement authorities, aimed at verifying whether a person can be at minimum presumed a victim of human trafficking. In Poland, the law enforcement authorities with such a mandate are the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Police, and Border Guards. 

A person presumed to be a victim of trafficking in human beings may be referred for formal identification by various entities, including public authorities, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, or members of the public. In addition, victims can refer themselves for the formal identification process.

Formal identification should take place as soon as a person presumed to be a victim of trafficking is referred to law enforcement authorities. It is carried out based on a guidance document, “Algorithm of Conduct of Law Enforcement Officers in Case of Revealing a Crime of THB.” The document includes detailed instructions for the identification. The formal identification should be done only by trained officers, who should establish whether: 

• There are reasonable grounds to suspect a THB offence
• The person could be a victim or witness of the offence
• The victim agrees to report the offence

After the formal identification, the victim receives a certificate confirming the presumption that the person is a victim of human trafficking under Article 170 of the Act on Foreigners and Article 41a of the Act of 14 July 2006 on the entry into, residence in, and exit from the territory of the Republic of Poland of citizens of the European Union Member States and their family members.

The authorities performing the identification provide the victim with clear and detailed information on first aid and related rights and obligations. They then present the offer of assistance from the National Consulting and Intervention Centre for Polish and Foreign Victims of Trafficking (KCIK). If the person does not wish to use the assistance of KCIK, the authorities are obliged to provide contact details of other non-governmental organisations offering support and assistance. In the case of foreigners, an interpreter is provided.

In addition to the formal identification of the law enforcement authorities, KCIK can identify victims of human trafficking who:

• Are legally present in Poland, and
• Do not wish to contact a law enforcement agency or have not been identified as victims of trafficking by such an agency. 

The victims identified by KCIK will not get the formal victim status. 

The Police, Border Guard, or any other stakeholder who suspects that a person might be a victim of trafficking can consult KCIK, making use of its specially trained and experienced staff.

The National Intervention and Consultation Centre for Victims of Human Trafficking (KCIK) operates a 24-hour hotline, which also offers preventive telephone counselling. 

The hotline is open to citizens of Poland, the European Union and third countries. It provides counselling to victims of human trafficking and their relatives, as well as organisations and institutions, and people at risk of human trafficking. The hotline operates in Polish, English, Ukrainian, and Russian.

The hotline can be reached by calling +48 22 628 01 20. 

Other hotlines: 

Police Headquarters, Anti-Human Trafficking Department 

Tel. (22) 60-148-33 (secretariat), 
664 974 934 – hotline for victims of human trafficking 
E-mail: [email protected]

Polish police officers operate the helpline on Monday-Friday from 8a.m. to 8p.m. During the night hours, reports on crimes and other information can be recorded on an answering machine. Officers contact those interested in providing information later. In emergencies involving risks to life or health, the emergency numbers 112 or 997 should be called.

Border Guard Headquarters, Operations and Investigation Board

Tel. (22) 50-040-41 (secretariat), 660 40 41
Email: [email protected],
Fax: 500 47 97

The Border Guard operates a 24-hour telephone number to report emergencies directly affecting security or concerning the situation at the border. These reports may also relate to incidents of trafficking in human beings. It is also possible to report an incident using the “report anonymously” function available on the website of the Border Guard, contact the nearest Border Guard unit, or, in emergency situations, call 112.

La Strada – Foundation Against Human Trafficking and Slavery 

Hotline (for assistance and advice): +48 22 628 99 99.  The hotline operates Monday-Thursday 9a.m. – 6p.m., Fridays 9am – 2pm. On Wednesdays from 2p.m. – 6p.m., it is possible to have a conversation in Russian. 

Tel: +48 22 621 56 18
Foundation office: +48 22 622 19 85 (administration and office phone) 
E-mail: [email protected] 
Website: https://www.strada.org.pl