Poland plans gradual phase-out of special assistance regime for Ukrainians

Poland is preparing to gradually wind down the special legal framework that has governed assistance for Ukrainian citizens since the start of the full-scale conflict.

The plans were outlined by Paweł Szefernaker, head of the cabinet of President Karol Nawrocki, who said that “the pressure of the veto has worked” and that the authorities no longer intend to extend special provisions for Ukrainian refugees on an indefinite basis.

According to Interia, a draft bill has already been added to the government’s legislative agenda. The proposal envisages rolling back measures introduced under the special law of March 12, 2022. Prepared by Poland’s Ministry of the Interior and Administration, the document provides that from March 4, 2026, Ukrainian citizens will be treated in the same way as other foreign nationals residing in the country.

The special law, adopted in the early days of the conflict, made it possible to quickly register refugees and grant them access to social services. Nearly four years on, the Interior Ministry says the situation has largely stabilised: most Ukrainians have found employment, their children are attending schools, and state and municipal institutions have transitioned to standard procedures for dealing with foreign residents. In the government’s assessment, preserving a special regime beyond this stage could result in unequal treatment of other migrant groups.

The draft legislation предусматривает the repeal of provisions that created a separate system exclusively for Ukrainians, the phased termination of earlier benefits, and the introduction of transitional arrangements to ensure a smooth shift to the general rules.

The changes would affect social payments, the assistance fund, student status, residence legality, and education-related issues. Ukrainians would continue to have access to emergency medical care, but eligibility for most social benefits would depend on employment and the payment of required contributions.

At the same time, the authorities emphasise that legal protection related to the lawful stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland will remain in force at least until March 4, 2027.

By Tamilla Hasanova