Poland Introduces Reforms to Support Ukrainian Refugees
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda has approved significant amendments to the legislation governing temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens affected by the ongoing crisis. These changes aim to streamline support measures and enhance the assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees currently residing in Poland.
Recent reports from the Polish news outlet RAR indicate that the revised law extends the duration of residency for Ukrainian refugees in Poland until September 30, 2025, an extension from the previous deadline of June 30, 2024. This change reflects Poland’s ongoing commitment to support those fleeing conflict.
Among the notable amendments is a new provision that ties financial aid for families to whether their children are enrolled in Polish educational institutions. This implies that Ukrainian children who have been studying remotely through Ukrainian schools will now need to attend Polish schools or kindergartens to qualify for financial support. This policy shift underscores the importance of integrating Ukrainian children into the Polish education system.
Additionally, the reforms introduce a maximum duration of 36 months for students to benefit from free Polish language lessons, aiming to facilitate better communication and integration for Ukrainian refugees. The amendments also establish new identification verification processes for Ukrainian nationals seeking to obtain a PESEL number, an essential step for accessing various services in Poland.
As of July 1, the financial support for housing and food provided to Ukrainian refugees will only be available through contracts established with local authorities. Furthermore, the law removes the subsidies previously offered to Polish citizens who hosted Ukrainian refugees, focusing resources on direct support for those in need.
These legislative adjustments represent Poland’s ongoing efforts to adapt its support mechanisms to the evolving circumstances faced by Ukrainian refugees, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance as they navigate their new lives in Poland.
