Poland is going to significantly change the requirements for Ukrainian doctors: what is known?
Ukrainian doctors who want to work or are already working in Poland will have to pass a language exam. Find out more about who will be affected by the changes and when the new rules will come into force
The Polish government is preparing changes for Ukrainian doctors in Poland. Currently, the Polish language exam is not mandatory for refugee doctors from Ukraine. However, in the near future, those who plan to work in Poland or are already working in the country will be required to confirm their knowledge of Polish at the B1 level. Rzeczpospolita reports on the preparation of changes to the requirements for doctors from Ukraine.
In our previous article, we described how to get financial assistance for renting a house in Poland.
Why are the rules being tightened?
According to experts, knowledge of the language at the B1 level will allow doctors from Ukraine to freely conduct medical consultations and provide advice and information in a language accessible and understandable to the patient. However, not everyone agrees with this opinion. For example, the Higher Medical Council, which conducts language exams for foreign doctors, advocates the requirement for Ukrainian doctors to know the language at the B2 level.
"The Polish language exam at B1 level does not cover medical terminology and vocabulary, procedures and treatment, which is key to working in a medical team. This is especially important in clinical work, where the patient's condition often requires an immediate response and cooperation of the members of the treatment team," explains health law attorney Joanna Wielgolawska-Pilas.
The rationale for the amendments emphasizes that the simplified procedure received approximately 4.2 thousand applications from doctors and dentists, as well as about 2 thousand applications from nurses and midwives. According to the Lewiatan Confederation, these doctors work in such shortage areas as hospital emergency departments, night and weekend medical care, as well as general surgery and internal medicine.
Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok
Who will have to pass the Polish language exam and when?
According to the proposed amendments, Ukrainian doctors and dentists working or planning to work in Poland under simplified conditions will be required to pass a language exam and confirm the B1 level. These changes are expected to come into force on July 1, 2024.
If the amendments are adopted within the specified timeframe, doctors will have to provide the relevant district medical council with a document confirming their Polish language proficiency by January 1, 2026. Otherwise, they may lose the right to practice medicine in Poland.
It is noted that such examinations are held in Poland every two months, so doctors will be able to pass them within a clearly defined time frame.
We remind you! The Polish government has announced amendments to the special law on temporary protection of Ukrainians in Poland, which are to enter into force on July 1, 2024. Read more about what innovations in obtaining and using PESEL UKR await refugees from Ukraine 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
On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can get legal advice on migration law. Our lawyers will answer all your questions and, if necessary, help you collect, submit and receive the documents you need. You can order a specialist consultation or full legal support by following this link.
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
DocumentsMilitary registration abroad: how can men update their data and what will happen if they don't?
The law on mobilization signed by the President in April envisages a number of changes for men, including mandatory updating of their records. Find out how men abroad can do this, when the deadline is, and what will happen if they do not update their data
08 Mai. 2024
More details3 min
Für FlüchtlingeUkrainians began to actively seek international protection in Poland: updated data
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
03 Sep. 2024
More details3 min
Für FlüchtlingeInternational protection vs. temporary protection: what is the difference and how to get it?
International protection guarantees a foreigner protection from expulsion, refoulement, extradition or deportation to the country of origin and has no time limit. However, obtaining this status involves a number of nuances. Here is a detailed explanation of the difference between temporary and international protection, how to obtain it, and what to consider when applying for it
09 Mai. 2024
More details1 min
Für FlüchtlingeIreland has already seen a wave of cuts in social benefits for Ukrainians, but previously they applied only to newly arrived Ukrainians. Now the authorities want to introduce changes for those who previously received 220 euros per week. Find out more about what innovations the government wants to introduce
15 Mai. 2024
More details