Ukrainian Young Men in Poland: How Migration Flows Changed After Exit Permit During Wartime
According to Polish border authorities, recent weeks have seen a significant increase in the number of young Ukrainians aged 18 to 22 crossing the Poland-Ukraine border.
This trend became especially prominent following recent government changes that allowed men within this age group to leave the country during the ongoing martial law.
Data from Poland’s border services shows that from August 28 to September 3, over 6,100 young men in this age range entered through checkpoints in the Subcarpathian region, compared to approximately 500 Ukrainians in the same age bracket entering the country a week prior.
Similar patterns are observed in the Lublin Voivodeship.
Additionally, border authorities on the Bug River reported that during this period, about 4,605 men aged 18-22 entered Poland, while 1,301 men of the same age left Ukraine.
Experts suggest that this influx might be motivated not only by the desire to avoid conscription but also by ambitions to study at Polish educational institutions or to enjoy short-term leisure trips.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government stated that since the new exit rules came into effect, no official statistics are being kept regarding the number of men aged 18-22 leaving Ukraine, making it challenging to assess the full scope of this phenomenon.
It can be concluded that amendments in legislation have created new avenues for young Ukrainian men to travel abroad within legal boundaries during wartime.