A new law limiting social benefits for Ukrainian refugees in Poland entered into force on Thursday, March 5th introducing restrictions on a range of support measures that had been granted in the years following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022.
Passed in late January, the legislation aims to gradually phase out several forms of assistance—including certain social benefits, healthcare services, legal stay provisions, and educational support—previously available to Ukrainian refugees.
Under the new rules, special healthcare benefits will be limited primarily to minors, people who are employed, victims of torture or rape, and other vulnerable individuals living in collective accommodation. Food and housing assistance will also be restricted to groups considered particularly vulnerable.
Polish officials have said the changes reflect a shift away from emergency measures introduced during the early stages of the conflict. Adam Szłapka, spokesman for Poland’s government, said when the law was announced that “after four years, the situation is more stable,” adding
These extraordinary regulations can be phased out and we can move from temporary solutions to systemic ones.
The new legislation also affects education-related assistance. Funding for free transport to schools, material aid, and additional Polish language lessons for Ukrainian pupils will continue only until the end of the current academic year. Despite the new restrictions, Ukrainian refugees will retain protected legal status in Poland until at least March 2027.
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