Poland changes benefits for Ukrainians from 5 March

Poland changes rules for Ukrainian refugees from 5 March

Poland is reviewing special benefits for Ukrainian citizens introduced after the outbreak of full-scale war. The new rules will come into force on 5 March, the country's president said. Karol Navrotskyi.

What is changing

At the same time, the updated law extends the legal stay of Ukrainians in Poland. Persons who have been granted temporary protection due to the war, as well as those whose residence permits have been extended, will be able to stay in the country and apply for legalisation until 4 March 2027.

At the same time, the Polish authorities are gradually transferring Ukrainian refugees to the general rules of stay for foreigners.

PESEL UKR status and digital changes

Regulations on status PESEL UKR will be transferred to the law on granting protection to foreigners. The status itself will continue to confirm the legal stay of Ukrainians in Poland.

Digitalisation of documents is also envisaged. Paper certificates issued by the Office for Foreigners are to be replaced by an electronic card DIIA. In addition, confirmation of identity and status will be possible through the Polish application mObywatel.

Restrictions on social and medical care

The new rules provide for a narrowing of some social benefits. Minors, employed persons, victims of torture and rape, as well as representatives of vulnerable groups living in collective centres will receive full medical care.

Unemployed Ukrainians will be able to use healthcare services under the same conditions as other unemployed foreigners in Poland.

Assistance with accommodation and food

The law also limits state support in the areas of accommodation and food. In the future, it will be provided mainly to particularly vulnerable categories of people for whom the transition to the standard mechanisms of the Polish social system would be too difficult or expensive.

Context.

Poland has become one of the main countries that received Ukrainian refugees after the outbreak of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine. In recent years, Warsaw has been gradually integrating Ukrainians into the overall system of migration and social policy.