The survey of the Polish Internet Research Group has covered 20 thousand Polish immigrants living in 11 European countries– people who set off abroad after Poland joined the European Union in 2004, in search of better job and career prospects.

Report by Krystyna Kolosowska.

Jaroslaw Kaczmarek is 45. This journalist from Bydgoszcz came to London about 18 months ago to work with the Polish Express, a Polish weekly with the biggest circulation in the UK. He is busy learning English from scratch right now. He has no idea when he decides to go back home.

‘Life is comfortable here. I am not exactly better or worse off – but I feel fine. Many things are easier to arrange than in Poland. Life is easier. I have more time for entertainment and myself in general.’

Dr Garapich, with the Polish Internet Research, says that the rise in the number of Poles who do not plan to return home is hardly good news for Poland as these are mainly well-educated, mobile people with initiative.

The survey has abolished some myths about Polish immigrants, who in the past used to stay abroad on their own, painstakingly saving money for the family left back home. Contrary to many Poles at home, the immigrants are satisfied with their living conditions, material situation and health. The majority declare they can satisfy all their needs. Thirty five percent save at least one third of their earnings, earmarking the money for tourism and recreation. Only around 30 percent say they miss Poland.

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