In 2024, Ukrainians significantly increased the number of applications for international protection in Poland due to new legislative restrictions on obtaining foreign passports. Find out how changes in Ukrainian laws have affected the situation and how to obtain international protection

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The increase in the number of applications for international protection among Ukrainians in Poland in 2024 was a response to new legislative restrictions in Ukraine. The decision was prompted by changes that made it more difficult for men of military age to obtain or renew passports without first registering with military commissariats. In Poland, the number of applications has almost doubled compared to last year, which emphasizes the seriousness of the situation.

We described how to apply for a passport outside Ukraine in 2024 in our previous article.

Reasons for the increase in the number of applications for international protection

This phenomenon is directly related to changes in Ukrainian legislation that have forced many men to look for alternatives to avoid mobilization. After all, new rules have come into force in Ukraine requiring the updating of data in military commissariats to obtain or renew passports. This has caused serious concern among men who do not want to return to Ukraine because of the threat of military service. Therefore, many of them chose to obtain international protection in Poland in order to avoid returning to their homeland and legalize their stay abroad.

Applications for international protection: how many Ukrainians have applied?

According to the data of the Polish Border Guard published by inPoland.net, Poland has recorded a significant increase in the number of applications for international protection from Ukrainian citizens. While in 2023, 1200 applications were filed for 1600 persons, in 2024 this figure reached 2124 applications, covering 2991 persons. It is worth noting that as of the 1st quarter of this year, according to the Department for Foreigners, Ukrainians filed about 1,200 applications. That is, another thousand applications were received over the past six months.

Thus, 298 applications were submitted in January, 449 in February, 403 in March, 336 in April, 447 in May, 520 in June, and 538 in July. The number of applications is expected to increase significantly by the end of the year.

A particularly noticeable increase occurred in the region of the Nadwiśleński Border Guard Unit.

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The procedure for obtaining international protection

The process of processing international protection applications in Poland currently takes 6 to 15 months. This allows applicants to legally stay in the country while their application is being processed, which is often the most acceptable option for those who cannot extend their passports due to new legal requirements in Ukraine.

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.

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.

At the same time, international protection has significant differences from temporary protection and significantly restricts the rights and freedoms of citizens, including the right to return to Ukraine. You can get advice on the conditions and necessity of obtaining international protection, restrictions that may be imposed on persons with this status, or the process of applying for it on the Vsit Ukraine portal. Our specialists will answer all your questions, explain all the nuances of obtaining a particular type of protection and, if necessary, help you solve your urgent issues. You can order a legal consultation or full legal support on our website.

We remind you! Some EU countries are categorically against the forced return of Ukrainians to their homeland, but there are those who support this decision. Read whether Poland will be able to reach a final decision on the return of men to Ukraine and whether it is legally possible in our previous article.

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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