The recent elimination of visa requirements between Poland and Germany could divert some of the increasing numbers of Soviet Jews who immigrate to Israel by way of Poland, according to newspaper and radio reports here.
The reports, quoting Polish sources, say most Soviet emigres board planes for Israel the day they reach Warsaw.
But the temptation is strong to slip across the border into Germany, now that visas are no longer required. Thousands of visitors are entering Germany each day from Poland.
The German authorities are trying to cope with the absorption of thousands of Soviet Jews who came here last summer. They took up an invitation issued by what was formerly East Germany after it shook off Communist rule but before it united with West Germany.
Upon unification, the offer to accept any Jew who wanted to settle here was modified because of economic strains and protests by Israel.
Soviet Jews who came to Germany last year may stay. Most remained in Berlin but some were sent to smaller cities in former East Germany.
Jewish activists say most want to return to Berlin, where there is a sizeable established Jewish community.
Under the new rules, Soviet Jews who want to settle in Germany must apply for immigration visas at German consulates in the Soviet Union.
About 3,000 are said to have applied to date, but the German authorities have warned that the processing will be slow.
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