Poland Finalizes Decision on Aid to Ukrainian Refugees: Summary and New Restrictions
Recently, the Polish government took a significant step regarding its support policies for Ukrainian citizens seeking refuge within the country.
Polish President Andrzej Duda signed a new law extending a special status for Ukrainian refugees until March 2026, but with important limitations and restrictions on social benefits.
According to this legislation, Ukrainians who are temporarily in Poland but do not have formal employment are no longer eligible for a wide range of social services, including healthcare, discounted medication with prescriptions, and dental services.
This move marks a tightening of previously granted privileges for temporary Ukrainian migrants.
Moreover, Zbigniew Bogański, head of the Presidential Chancellery, emphasized that this is the final extension of such special aid, indicating that the government plans to transition to standard conditions, treating Ukrainian citizens similarly to other foreigners.
He stated that this marks the end of a specific period of assistance, with a gradual shift towards more equal treatment across all foreign nationals.
This decision follows ongoing debates about supporting Ukraine and its integration prospects.
Previously, Duda openly declared that Poland currently sees no grounds for Ukraine’s NATO accession, and discussions about Ukraine joining the EU are considered premature.
He explained that during wartime, Ukraine cannot join NATO, as this would automatically involve allies in military conflict.
As a result, Poland is closing a chapter in its Ukraine-related policies that focused on providing extensive support, and moving towards a more uniform approach to foreign guests and refugees.
This has elicited mixed reactions from the public and experts alike, as it signifies the culmination of a period of aid and assistance but also sets a precedent for more standardized social guarantees for migrants.