Poles living abroad are collectively sending billions of euros back to their homeland, media reports.

According to statistics published today in Dziennik Gazeta Prawna, Poles sent 4.2 billion euro to Poland in 2010.

However, next month, with the opening up of the German labour market, these figures look set to rise once more.

The daily reveals that Poles may even exceed the record sum transferred in 2007, when 5.2 billion euro was transferred to Poland.

It is estimated that as many as half a million Poles will take up the opportunity to work in Germany, following 1 May.

Last year, Poles working in Germany sent some 1.15 billion euro back home. It is estimated that this figure could double over the coming twelve months. (nh/jb)