Poland is preparing changes for Ukrainians: what is known about the new status and the abolition of payments
The Polish government proposes to change the conditions for granting temporary protection to refugees from Ukraine. Learn more about the proposed system of obtaining a temporary residence card and the abolition of the free accommodation program in the new special law
The Ministry of the Interior has decided to change the conditions of stay for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. As of early April, there are two major changes that may come into effect in the near future. Read more about what awaits Ukrainians in Poland in the article below.
What other changes are proposed by the Polish authorities can be found here.
Cancellation of the free accommodation program for refugees aged 40+ in Poland: what do we know?
According to naszwybir.pl, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has decided to abandon the form of support for citizens who provide shelter and food to refugees in private housing. According to Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk, an amendment to the law that would remove Article 13 should be submitted to the Sejm by the end of April.
The deputy minister noted that such changes are primarily due to the fact that the relevant exemption causes many misunderstandings and doubts in interpretation. In particular, the Union of Polish Metropolitan Areas reported problems with documentary evidence of disability. In addition, it is noted that more and more applications for compensation have begun to come from Ukrainian citizens who host their fellow countrymen.
"So far, all the amendments have been an attempt to strengthen this provision to prevent abuse. After analysis, we decided that this article will disappear from the law," said Maciej Duszczyk.
At the same time, Dorota Bombiak-Kowalska, Managing Director of the Union of Polish Metropolitanates, noted that "the abolition of this provision will not mean that refugees will be deprived of support and care, they will still be able to use collective accommodation facilities."
The current rules, namely the payment of compensation of 40 zlotys per day for homeowners who provide accommodation and meals for refugees, will be available until June 30, 2024.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
Change of status: what is known about temporary residence cards in Poland?
The new special law also proposes to grant refugees from Ukraine a new status. In particular, it is about granting residence permits to those who have the PESEL UKR status. Maciej Duszczyk noted that Ukrainians will have the right to choose whether to remain under the temporary protection of PESEL UKR or to receive a temporary residence card.
"We have prepared a system that will allow all PESEL UKR members to obtain a temporary residence permit. Regardless of whether they are working or not, pensioners or students, children under 6 or older. It will be an automatic system that will change the status of temporary protection to the status of temporary residence with the help of one provision," said the Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administration of Poland.
It is noted that a special electronic portal will be created for this purpose. Thus, Ukrainians who want to receive a "residence card" will have to register in this system from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, and submit a package of documents to the city or commune authorities.
In addition, it is known that a separate body will be created for Ukrainians to issue the relevant permits in order to avoid involving voivodeship offices in the process and speed up the process. However, all applicants will be checked by the Internal Security Agency, the Border Guard Service and the police. The change of legal status will take place only after the person personally comes and receives his/her residence permit.
It is expected that the first temporary residence permits will be issued in 2025. They will be valid for 3 years.
We remind you! The Polish government has extended temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees and set new terms of legal stay. The decision was made in the context of continuing support and protection for Ukrainian citizens who were forced to seek asylum. Read more about how long Ukrainians are allowed to stay in Poland in our previous article.
Photo: Getty Images
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Recommended articles
2 min
Für Flüchtlinge
How to buy Ukrzaliznytsia tickets for international flights? (updated)
Ukrainians can travel to European Union countries by train. Railway flights depart from a number of Ukrainian cities and connect to various countries, including neighbouring states. However, tickets for not all flights can be purchased from Ukrzaliznytsia. Therefore, find out where and how to buy them
01 Apr. 2024
More details2 min
Für Flüchtlinge
After two years of protection, Ukrainians in Switzerland can expect different prospects. First of all, the procedures for integration into the labor market will be simplified. Learn more about the changes to expect and what will contribute to more effective support and adaptation of Ukrainian citizens in Switzerland
31 Mär. 2024
More details1 min
Transport
Connecting four capitals: a new night train between Brussels and Prague has been launched in Europe
A new night train has started operating in Europe and connected four capitals, opening up additional travel opportunities. The route from Brussels to Prague passes through a number of important cities and cultural centers. Find out more about the fare and other details
31 Mär. 2024
More details1 min
Popular
An innovative website from the customs simplifies the procedure for declaring express shipments and paying customs duties for citizens. Now, thanks to this platform, users can complete the necessary documents for international parcels worth up to 10 thousand euros in a few simple steps. Learn more about how the new service works
01 Apr. 2024
More details
The simultaneous stay of visitors in the hotel lobby not more than one person per 10 square meters of serviceable area is allowed.
Persons can visit hotels and stay there (outside hotel room) only if they wear respirator or face mask (including homemade mask), so that the nose and mouth are covered.
Hotel guests are obliged to keep the 1.5 meters distance.
Online check-in making in advance is recommended to avoid queues at check-in to hotel.
Meals in hotels are provided through meals delivery service to rooms upon prior order or at hotel restaurants situated inside or in open areas, provided the distance of at least 1.5 meters between seats at adjacent tables.
Not more than 4 clients are allowed to stay at the table (excluding children under 14 years old). Unless these tables are separated by a special partition;
Self-serve is not allowed.