On February 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed a law that revokes special privileges previously granted to Ukrainian refugees. Under the new legislation, their legal status will now be equivalent to that of other migrants residing in Poland.
Nawrocki stated that the law aims to protect state finances, streamline the system, and restore a sense of fairness. He emphasized Poland’s unwavering support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression while promising to end the phase of unconditional privileges for Ukrainian refugees. The law is set to take effect on March 5, 2026.
Background
The “Assistance Law,” enacted following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, facilitated residence, employment, social benefits, and educational rights for Ukrainians. The new law will integrate Ukrainians into a general temporary protection system applicable to all foreigners, effectively discontinuing the separate framework established for them.
Key mechanisms from the previous law will not be entirely abolished but rather incorporated into the Foreigners Protection Law. Additionally, the new legislation extends the legal stay for individuals who fled Ukraine due to the war, allowing them to apply for residency legalization until March 4, 2027.
Changes for Ukrainian Refugees
1. PESEL UKR as Key Status Confirmation
The PESEL UKR identification number will serve as the primary proof of legal residence. Failure to apply for this number within 30 days of entering Poland will result in the loss of temporary protection status. Lack of registration will be interpreted as a voluntary renunciation of this status.
Interestingly, this status will not be exclusive to Ukrainian citizens. For instance, a Norwegian citizen fleeing war and receiving temporary protection in Poland will also be eligible for PESEL UKR. This shift indicates that provisions initially designed for Ukrainians will now apply to all individuals under temporary protection.
However, some experts criticize this approach, arguing that labeling individuals with “UKR” emphasizes nationality rather than their status as war refugees, potentially leading to confusion in future conflicts.
The law outlines specific grounds for denial of temporary protection, including serious criminal offenses or threats to state security.
2. Electronic Identification in Place of Paper Documents
Paper identification issued by the Office for Foreigners will be replaced with an electronic card via the Diia.pl application. Identification and residence verification will be facilitated through the mObywatel app.
For those already in Poland, minimal changes are expected. Individuals who previously held PESEL UKR and used the Diia.pl app for legal verification will continue to do so without needing to re-register.
3. Social Benefits with Restrictions
Social assistance from the Office for Foreigners will be reduced. Eligibility criteria for family benefits established under the previous law will remain in effect until their expiration.
4. Limitations on Medical Assistance
Full access to medical services will continue for:
- Minors;
- Employed individuals;
- Victims of torture and sexual assault;
- Particularly vulnerable groups residing in collective accommodation.
Experts warn that these new rules could severely impact the most vulnerable categories, such as pensioners or individuals with disabilities, who may lose access to free medical care if they choose to leave collective accommodation.
Non-working Ukrainians will receive medical assistance under conditions similar to those for other unemployed foreigners in Poland, which may not guarantee comprehensive coverage.
5. Housing and Food Support Limited to Vulnerable Groups
Housing and food assistance from the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be restricted to a maximum of 60 days from the date of entry and no longer than 12 months from the triggering event. The Ministry of Social Protection may provide collective accommodation and meals for vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities, pensioners without Polish pensions, single mothers with children under one year, and children in foster care.
As a result, most refugees who do not belong to these categories will only receive formal residency rights without additional social or housing support.
6. Education Until the End of the Academic Year
Funding for additional school activities, free transportation, financial aid for students, preparatory classes, and increased limits for teachers will remain in place until the end of the current academic year. Afterward, schools will revert to standard operational rules.
7. Restrictions on International Protection Applications
The new law alters the rules for applying for international protection. Previously, temporary restrictions could last no more than 60 days; this period has now been extended to 120 days.
Experts note that there will be no transitional phase for implementing the new rules, which will take effect at midnight on March 5.
Experts anticipate that the most significant impact will be felt by the most vulnerable populations, such as pensioners and individuals with disabilities, who will lose access to free medical care. However, most adult refugees and children are unlikely to notice substantial changes, as they previously relied on assistance through employment or child benefits rather than refugee status.
Poland's recent legislation revokes special benefits for Ukrainian refugees, aligning their status with other migrants. While some support mechanisms remain, significant changes to social, medical, and housing assistance could impact vulnerable populations.