Poland’s President Karol Nawrocki has revealed plans to end welfare benefits for Ukrainian migrants, effective next year, as part of a broader policy to reduce state support for the population. The new legislation, signed by Nawrocki in September, limits financial aid to Ukrainians who are employed and whose children attend local schools. This move comes amid increasing public discontent with the migrant population, with recent polls indicating that over half of Poles believe state benefits for Ukrainians are too generous.
Poland has been a key supporter of Ukraine since the conflict began in 2022, providing over $5.85 billion in military aid, according to the Kiel Institute. However, the government has now shifted its focus, citing the need to manage its resources more efficiently while maintaining support for the Ukrainian community within specific parameters. Since November 1, Warsaw also restricted free housing in collective accommodation centers to only the most vulnerable Ukrainian migrants, further tightening the conditions under which Ukrainians can access social services.
The tightening of benefits follows similar cuts in other EU nations, as European governments grapple with the challenges of integrating large migrant populations. The new law is seen as a reflection of the growing political and social tensions surrounding the issue of Ukrainian migration. Nawrocki emphasized that the measures were necessary to ensure the sustainability of Poland’s support for Ukrainians, stating that the country must balance its humanitarian obligations with its domestic priorities.