On May 15, the Sejm, the lower chamber of Poland’s parliament, supported amendments to the law on Ukrainian refugees, extending their protection until September 30, 2025. Poland has become a key destination for Ukrainian refugees following the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale war, with close to 1 million Ukrainians seeking refuge in the country. The amendments, backed by 381 lawmakers, introduce a new status for Ukrainian refugees allowing them to apply for a three-year temporary residence permit with certain conditions.
The updated law also includes changes to state payment programs for Ukrainian refugees. Programs such as “800 Plus” and “Dobry Start” will provide financial assistance for children, with mandatory Polish kindergarten or school attendance required for eligibility. Additionally, Ukrainian pupils will have the opportunity to participate in free Polish language classes for 36 months, and eighth-grade students will be exempt from the obligatory Polish language exam in the 2024-2025 school year. Financial assistance for food and accommodation will now be provided based on agreements with local government bodies.
The amendments to the law also extend the deadline for applying for the right to practice medicine for Ukrainian refugees by four months. The bill, which was supported by the governing parties and rejected several proposed amendments from opposition parties, will now move to the Senate for approval. If passed, the law will come into effect on July 1. The Polish Ambassador to Kyiv, Jaroslaw Guzy, stated that Poland remains neutral regarding whether Ukrainian refugees choose to stay or return to Ukraine, emphasizing that Warsaw will neither encourage nor prevent their return.
The amendments to the law reflect Poland’s ongoing efforts to support and accommodate Ukrainian refugees in the country. By extending protection status, introducing new programs, and providing language learning opportunities, Poland aims to facilitate the integration and well-being of Ukrainian refugees within its borders. The decision to neither encourage nor prevent their return to Ukraine underscores Poland’s commitment to maintaining a neutral stance on the matter, allowing refugees to make their own choices regarding their future. The Senate’s upcoming decision on the bill will determine the implementation of these measures and further support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
