Ukrainians apply for the possibility of obtaining international protection in Poland. This conclusion is due to a significant increase in the number of applications submitted by Ukrainian citizens in recent periods. Find out more about how to obtain international protection in Poland and how many Ukrainians have already applied for it

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Almost 3,000 foreigners in Poland applied for international protection by the end of March 2024, which is about 30% more than in the same period last year.

The largest share of these applications was made by citizens of Ukraine, Yavp.pl writes with reference to the website of the Department for Foreigners.

The number of Ukrainians wishing to obtain international protection in Poland is growing

According to the information, in the first quarter of 2024, the largest number of applications for international protection were filed by Ukrainians - about 1,200, followed by Belarusians (1,000), and Russians (300 applications).

In particular, in the first quarter of 2024, the Department for Foreigners made a positive decision on 1.2 thousand people to grant international protection in the country. 

The largest number of positive responses were received by citizens of Belarus (670 people) and Ukraine (410 people), as well as 50 Russians.

In the same period, about 400 foreigners were refused. Citizens of the Russian Federation accounted for the largest share of refusals - 170 people, followed by Belarusians - 30 people, and 30 people from Egypt.

The termination of applications is often due to the fact that foreigners leave Poland before a decision is made.

It is known that the standard period for processing an application for international protection is 6 months, but in the first quarter of 2024, the average period was reduced by 1.5 months. During the refugee status procedure, foreigners can benefit from social assistance, including accommodation, food and medical care, provided by the Department for Foreigners, as well as educational courses, including learning Polish. 

Applicants have a choice between living in specialized refugee centers or living independently outside these centers.

As of March 31, 2024, almost 5.2 thousand people who applied for international protection in Poland received social assistance, approximately 700 of them were staying in specialized refugee centers.

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How to obtain international protection in Poland?

It should be noted that obtaining international protection in Poland, including refugee status or subsidiary protection, depends on the existence of a threat of persecution or a real risk to life or health in the country of origin.

You can apply for international protection in Poland:

- When entering Poland at a border crossing point.

- In a detention center, reception center or other official place.

- At any time on the territory of Poland at any Border Guard unit or station.

If you are unable to apply directly to the Border Guard due to circumstances such as disability, age, pregnancy, single parenthood, foster children, hospitalization or arrest, you can submit a written declaration of your intention to apply for international protection. This can be done by mail or email. In these cases, the application is accepted and registered by the Border Guard Service at your place of residence.

What documents are required?

When applying for international protection, you must submit all official documents, including identity and travel documents, as well as other forms of evidence that can confirm your eligibility for international protection. This applies to the applicant and all family members covered by the application.

We remind you! Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Poland has made exceptions for certain groups of Ukrainians, allowing them to cross the border only with an internal passport. However, the situation has now changed somewhat. Find out more about whether Ukrainian citizens can enter Poland without a foreign passport in 2024. 

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Ihor Usyk is the Head of Legal Department at Visit Ukraine

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