The Polish government has updated the Act of March 12, 2022, on assistance to Ukrainian citizens due to the conflict in Ukraine. Initially set to expire on June 30, the provisions are now extended until September 30, 2025, with a potential automatic extension to March 2025 if the EU directive prolongs protection.
Transition from Temporary Protection to Temporary Residence
Ukrainian citizens with a PESEL UKR number will have their stay legalized until September 30, 2025. Starting July 1, 2024, they can transition from temporary protection to temporary residence if they:
- Update their data in the PESEL UKR database;
- Submit an electronic application to the voivode;
- Had active UKR status on March 4, 2024, and on the application date;
- Held a PESEL number in Poland continuously for 365 days before applying.
This process will be available until March 2025, with the new residence status valid for three years. The electronic system for this process is not yet operational.
Termination of Certain Benefits
Beginning July 1, the following benefits will be suspended:
- Funding for photographs;
- One-time cash benefit of 300 PLN.
End of Private Home Accommodation
Starting July 31, financial support for accommodation and meals for Ukrainian refugees will be managed through agreements with the voivode or local government. The 40 PLN daily benefit for private homeowners will be discontinued due to system abuses, with aid focusing on communal living centers.
Tightening the System, Increased Oversight by Voivodes
The amendment aims to tighten the aid system in communal facilities and prevent abuse. The voivode can provide:
- Communal accommodation and meals;
- Reception points;
- Transport related to accommodation or medical care;
- Other necessary actions with ministerial consent.
Aid will continue for those at risk of social exclusion, including:
- Individuals with disabilities;
- Elderly over 60 (women) or 65 (men);
- Pregnant women or those with infants;
- Sole caregivers of three or more children, with one under 14;
- Minors in foster care.
Educational Benefits for Children
The amendment links the 800 PLN child benefit and the “Good Start” benefit to school attendance in the Polish education system. Benefits will be suspended if school attendance is not confirmed.
Inclusion of Two Categories of Foreigners
The law will also cover:
- Minor children of Ukrainian citizens;
- Minor children of spouses of Ukrainian citizens.
These individuals will be able to access aid institutions provided for in the aid law.
Access to the Polish Labor Market
The amendment modifies labor market access for Ukrainian citizens, with detailed information for employers including:
- Reducing the employment notification period from 14 to 7 days;
- Requiring new notifications of changes in terms and conditions of employment;
- Mandatory inclusion of the minimum wage in the notification;
- Obliging Ukrainian citizens to inform employers if they are granted a temporary residence permit.
Medical Profession Rights
The amendment extends until September 30, 2025, the period for assigning temporary medical practice numbers to doctors or dentists providing healthcare to Ukrainians. It reinstates psychological services by Ukrainian citizens from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025.
Summary:
The Polish government has extended aid for Ukrainian refugees until September 30, 2025. Key changes include transitioning from temporary protection to temporary residence, terminating certain benefits, focusing on communal living support, tightening oversight to prevent abuse, linking educational benefits to school attendance, including additional categories of foreigners for aid, modifying labor market access, and extending medical profession rights. The changes emphasize the importance of meeting specific requirements and adhering to new regulations to ensure continued support and access to benefits.