New, stricter rules for providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees will come into effect in Poland starting in August. The law, recently approved by Senate committees, changes the emphasis in support and tightens control over those who benefit from benefits.
The main change concerns accommodation in collective centers. From October 31, 2025, the mass settlement of Ukrainians in such institutions will cease. From November, voivodeship governors will be able to provide housing and food only to vulnerable groups - children, pensioners, people with disabilities, as well as women over 60 and men over 65 who do not receive a pension. The housing allowance will be PLN 15 per day.
In addition, the new rules provide for increased border control and stricter registration requirements. In particular, border guards will take fingerprints and all crossings will be recorded in a national database. Obtaining a PESEL number for a child will now require their personal presence.
The law also provides for additional grounds for revoking a residence permit, from submitting false information and a sham marriage to attempts to circumvent migration regulations. Processing of residence applications for highly skilled workers and long-term EU residents may take longer.
At the same time, support in education and healthcare is maintained. Ukrainian children who study at universities or vocational courses after reaching adulthood will continue to receive payments of 800+. Polish schools that have opened additional classes for Ukrainians will be able to pay teachers for overtime work.
For doctors from Ukraine, the simplified employment procedure will remain in place until March 2026, although the verification of qualifications and documents will become stricter.
The innovations will come into effect two weeks after official publication, and the full format of the restrictions will come into effect in November.
