Poland cancels special benefits for Ukrainian refugees: President signs law

According to him, the “stage of unconditional privileges” has ended.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a document that provides for the transfer of all instruments of support for Ukrainian refugees to the general Law on the Protection of Foreigners, PAP reports .

According to him, the “stage of unconditional privileges” has ended. He emphasized that Poland continues to support Ukraine in the war against Russia, but the new law should streamline the aid system and protect state finances.

It is worth noting that the so-called law on special assistance for Ukrainians, since 2022, has created a separate legal system that simplified the rules for residence, work, receiving benefits, and education for refugees from Ukraine.

The new law gradually abolishes this system, and key support instruments will be included in the general provisions on the protection of foreigners. In addition, the signed document extends the legality of stay in Poland of Ukrainian citizens who fled the war until March 4, 2027.

What is changing:

The special law of 2022, which simplified residence, employment, and access to social benefits for Ukrainians, is being repealed.
A unified system of temporary protection for all foreigners is being introduced.
The legality of stay of Ukrainians has been extended – they will be able to apply for legalization until March 4, 2027.
The status of PESEL UKR is being integrated into the general law on the protection of foreigners.
Paper IDs will be replaced by the Diia (DIIA) electronic card and confirmation via the Polish mObywatel application.
Social benefits and housing assistance will be limited – they will be received mainly by vulnerable categories.
Medical assistance will be provided to minors, employed persons, victims of torture and rape, and other vulnerable persons.

It is important that the law will come into force on March 5, 2026.

(C)UNIAN 2026