Poland Introduces Work Requirements for Ukrainian Refugees
Poland has enacted new legislation requiring Ukrainian refugees to secure employment to access state benefits, marking a significant shift in its refugee policy. President Karol Nawrocki signed the bill, which ties benefits such as child allowances and health programs to proof of employment, while exempting individuals with disabilities.
The legislation, which was signed by the Polish president, ensures that Ukrainian refugees must now demonstrate they earn at least 50% of the minimum wage for their compliance to be checked monthly, with exemptions for people with disabilities. The new rules aim to phase out what the president’s office has termed ‘tourism from Ukraine at the expense of Polish taxpayers,’ indicating a policy shift towards more economically integrated refugee support.
President Nawrocki has previously vetoed earlier versions of the bill, which would have extended the existing benefits system without changes. His insistence on requiring work from refugees has led to the current legislation, which emphasizes economic participation as a prerequisite for state aid. The measure reflects a broader government stance that only those who contribute to Poland’s economy should be eligible for state benefits.
Poland has been one of the top destinations for Ukrainian refugees since the escalation of the conflict in February 2022, with the country welcoming over a million refugees. This new policy is seen as a way to manage the influx and reduce reliance on taxpayer-funded support for those not contributing to the economic fabric of the country.
The president has also announced plans to introduce two additional bills concerning the refugees: one on tightening the rules for obtaining Polish citizenship and another on criminalizing the promotion of hardline Ukrainian nationalist movements. These measures underscore a comprehensive approach to managing the refugee situation under the current political and economic context.