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IS IMMIGRATION A REMEDY FOR DEPOPULATING REGIONS? FOREIGNERS IN STRATEGIC DOCUMENTS OF THE LODZ AND SILESIAN VOIVODESHIPS

The Lodz and Silesian voivodeships are among the fastest depopulating areas of Poland. In recent years, both regions have experienced intensive labour immigration, mainly from Ukraine. The article presents the responses of the regional authorities (voivodeship assemblies) to the increased arrivals of foreigners. The aim is to verify if they see immigration as a solution to the demographic problems of these regions? The comparative study showed a growing awareness of officials about the migration processes taking place there, although their reactions to immigration differ significantly. The authorities of the Lodz voivodship do not see the potential for the region's development in immigration. Solutions for depopulation are sought in family policy instruments and in increasing the overall attractiveness of the region and its labor market. A more comprehensive stance is taken by the authorities of the Silesian voivodeship, as their expectations regarding the economic immigration are growing. Despite they do not propose measures to stimulate the arrival of foreigners, the attempts to identify areas of support for immigrants in settling down are undertaken.

