Poland has adopted a new bill amending the law on special assistance to Ukrainian citizens. The document extends the validity of temporary protection until 4 March 2026 and at the same time contains a number of innovations that may affect the stay of Ukrainian refugees in the country.
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The new rules concern both the application for temporary protection and the conditions of residence and receipt of social benefits. In particular, Ukrainians arriving in Poland under a small border traffic permit or already having a protection status in another EU country will no longer be able to obtain temporary protection in Poland.
An important change is that the physical presence of a child, regardless of his/her age, is now required to obtain a PESEL number with the UKR status. In addition, persons with this status are obliged to notify Polish local authorities of any changes in their personal data, including their surname or documents.
Living conditions in collective accommodation centres have been significantly updated. The admission of new residents to such centres will last until 31 October 2025, but only for vulnerable categories of citizens the assistance may be extended. In case of systematic violations of the rules or violence, people may be evicted. Co-financing is also being introduced for some residents, including pensioners receiving Polish pensions and minors receiving state assistance.
The minimum number of residents in such centres is being increased from 10 to 20.
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In terms of social guarantees, the 800+ payment programme will be available not only to schoolchildren, but also to children studying at universities, taking vocational courses or internships.
Separate provisions apply to medical personnel. The temporary work permit for nurses and midwives from outside the EU is cancelled. The requirements for dentists and doctors from Ukraine are also being tightened, in particular, in terms of proof of professional experience.
The new grounds for cancellation of a temporary residence permit include submission of false information, use of fake documents or conclusion of a fictitious marriage.
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