Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed amendments to the law on assistance to Ukrainian refugees. The new regulations will come into force on July 1, 2024. Find out more about how the changes will affect refugees from Ukraine in Poland

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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The Polish Sejm has supported amendments to the law on assistance to Ukrainian refugees. The text of the law was officially published in the Dziennik Ustaw.

According to the new provisions, the status of temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees was extended until September 30, 2025. In addition, access to healthcare services, family and social benefits from ZUS (social insurance institution) was expanded.

Here are other important changes that will affect the lives of Ukrainians in Poland.

Earlier we told you that in the spring of 2024 there was a decline in rental prices in some large cities of Poland.

Changes for schoolchildren and students

Previously, payments under the Dobry Start program in the amount of PLN 300 were received once a year by parents of all schoolchildren to purchase school supplies. Now, the receipt of this assistance will depend on whether the child has completed a school readiness program, a compulsory school program or a preschool education institution.

In addition, from July 1, students will no longer be able to take free Polish language lessons for more than 3 years. This applies to persons who started taking classes in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024.

The position of an intercultural assistant will be introduced in the new school year. Such specialists will help students who do not speak Polish, which creates problems in the process of obtaining education.

In our previous article, we told you that a new program to help parents will be introduced in Poland on October 1. The program is called "Active Parent".

New rules for identity verification

The new changes have also updated the rules for confirming the identity of a Ukrainian citizen to obtain a PESEL number, a general identification number for individuals. Now you will need to provide a valid document podróży issued by the voivode at the place of residence.

It is worth noting that the deadline for applying for a PESEL number with the UKR status has been changed to the status immediately "upon arrival". Previously, this period was 30 days from the date of arrival in Poland.

Do you need advice on obtaining a residence card in Poland? Our experts will help you understand the new requirements and submit the documents correctly. Ensure your and your family's legal stay in Poland. Apply for professional assistance via this link!

Receiving accommodation and food allowance

Starting from July 1, funding for accommodation and food allowance for Ukrainian refugees in difficulty will be provided only if an agreement with a local voivode or local government is concluded.

In addition, the rules of participation in the costs of accommodation and meals in collective centers will be amended. This innovation should increase the efficiency of collecting the due subsidies.

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Cancellation of payments and benefits

The new amendments also abolish benefits related to compensation for refugee accommodation and food costs incurred by private property owners. The allowance for the production of photographs and the one-time financial assistance of PLN 300 will also be canceled.

Conditions for revocation of residence permits

The new law also introduces additional grounds for revoking the temporary residence permits of Ukrainian refugees. 

"This permit will be withdrawn if it is required for reasons of national defense or security or protection of public safety and order, or if the data of a Ukrainian citizen is included in the list of foreigners whose stay in the territory of the Republic of Poland is undesirable, or if a Ukrainian citizen leaves the territory of the Republic of Poland for a period of at least 6 months," the document states.

Find out more about what Ukrainian refugees should consider when traveling abroad on the recommendation of the Embassy of Ukraine in Poland.

Changes to the rules of online sales

New tax rules will be introduced regarding the reporting of sales on digital platforms. The main purpose of such innovations is to control the tax system and reduce the number of cases of illegal business activities.

From now on, digital platform operators will be required to collect and submit to the National Tax Administration data on sellers who conduct transactions on their platforms. These rules apply to the sale of goods, provision of services, and lease of real estate and vehicles. 

If sellers make up to 30 transactions per year for a total amount not exceeding EUR 2,000, the new reporting rules will not apply to them.

Changes to the minimum wage

Starting from July 1, 2024, the minimum wage will be increased to PLN 4,300 gross, and the hourly rate will be increased to PLN 28.10. This innovation will cover more than 3 million employees.

In addition, other payments calculated on the basis of the minimum wage will also be increased: payments for night work, payment for downtime, payments for work on weekends and holidays, etc.

Changes in electricity tariffs

The freeze on electricity bills expires in July, so prices may rise by 20-30%. Currently, everyone pays PLN 412/MW if consumption does not exceed 1500 kW over 6 months. This was achieved thanks to the government's Anti-Inflationary Shield, which is about to expire.

Now the maximum cost will be 500 PLN/MW, regardless of the amount of electricity consumed. These tariffs will be in effect until December 2024.

It is also planned to introduce an energy voucher, a one-time cash assistance. It will be available to about 3.5 million low-income families.

We remind you! The President of Poland has signed amendments to the law on assistance to Ukrainians. Read more about how the conditions for obtaining a family reunification card have changed and what other innovations there are for Ukrainian citizens.

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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