Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed legislation imposing stricter conditions on Ukrainian refugees receiving state benefits. The new rules require at least one parent to demonstrate employment and children to be enrolled in school to access financial support, including the “800 plus” zloty monthly child allowance. Additional perks such as healthcare, prescription coverage, and dental services will now apply only to Ukrainians working in Poland. Refugees must also prove they earn 50% of the minimum wage, with compliance verified monthly. Exemptions are available for individuals with disabilities.
The measure aims to end “tourism from Ukraine at the expense of Polish taxpayers,” according to Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the president’s office. Nawrocki plans to introduce further bills targeting refugee citizenship rules and criminalizing promotion of hardline Ukrainian nationalist movements. The president previously rejected an earlier version of the bill, insisting only refugees contributing to Poland’s economy should qualify for aid. Over a million Ukrainians have sought refuge in Poland since 2022.
Poland Tightens Aid Rules for Ukrainian Refugees Amid Policy Shift
