President Andrzej Duda signed an amendment to the Foreign Service Act on Monday. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Radosław Sikorski, expressed his gratitude to "all individuals and institutions, led by President Andrzej Duda," for supporting the ministry in updating this legislation. The amendment introduces additional benefits for diplomats stationed in conflict-affected countries.
The draft amendment to the Foreign Service Act was prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry assessed that the original 2021 Foreign Service Act introduced several financial and organizational solutions that had negative impacts on the functioning of the diplomatic service.
The amendment establishes new competency requirements for candidates seeking professional diplomat status and introduces additional methods for assessing the qualifications of those applying for managerial positions within the diplomatic service.
On Tuesday, the Chancellery of the President of Poland announced that President Andrzej Duda had signed the amendment.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski posted on X: "I thank all individuals and institutions, led by President Andrzej Duda, the Sejm and the Senate, and many members of the Council of Ministers, including Minister Andrzej Domański, for supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the process of amending the Foreign Service Act."
"As of January 1, 2025, many of the everyday problems faced by Polish diplomats, especially in conflict zones and dangerous locations, will be resolved," he added.
The amendment
The new regulations stipulate that foreign service employees will retire upon reaching the age of 65. Previously, those who wished to continue working beyond this age could submit a request supported by current medical certificates, with the final decision resting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Under the amendment, the final decision will now be made by the Director-General of the Foreign Service. Employees will have the right to appeal a negative decision to a labor court.
The amendment introduces a new, highest rank in the Polish diplomatic hierarchy - Titular Ambassador - as well as a revised gradation of diplomatic ranks. The higher diplomatic ranks, from highest to lowest, will be: Minister Plenipotentiary, Minister-Counselor, First Counselor, and Counselor. The lower ranks, also from highest to lowest, will be: First Secretary, Second Secretary, Third Secretary, and Attaché.
Additionally, the amendment provides extra allowances for diplomats stationed in countries affected by armed conflicts.
The law will come into effect on January 1, 2025.
Autorka/Autor:gf
TVN24 News in English, PAP
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: Tomasz Gzell/PAP