The bill on aid to Ukrainians is already in the Sejm: what restrictions does the president propose?

The Seimas will consider a new bill on assistance to Ukrainians. It restricts access to benefits and medical care to those who are officially employed, extends the period for obtaining citizenship, and introduces stricter penalties. Learn more about the new measures

Legal assistance on migration issues for Ukrainians in Ukraine and abroad

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Polish President Karol Nawrocki has submitted his own draft law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens to the Sejm. The document sets out new rules for Ukrainians' access to social benefits, medical care, and Polish citizenship.

Main changes in access to assistance

According to the head of the president's office, Zbigniew Boguski, the bill stipulates that only those Ukrainian citizens who are officially employed in Poland and pay insurance contributions will be entitled to social benefits and medical care.

In this way, the president emphasizes the need to integrate Ukrainians into Polish society and their participation in the country's tax system.

Veto on previous amendments

Earlier, President Nawrocki vetoed amendments to the law on assistance to Ukrainians. He explained that the “800+” program should be targeted and accessible only to those Ukrainians who actually work in Poland.

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New rules for obtaining citizenship

In addition to social benefits, the bill provides for changes in the acquisition of Polish citizenship and migration policy:

- the period of residence for obtaining citizenship is increased from 3 to 10 years;

- Illegal border crossing is punishable by up to 5 years in prison.

- A ban is introduced on the public use and promotion of “Bandera symbols,” which are proposed to be equated with symbols of Nazism and communism.

The position of the President's Office

Zbigniew Boguski stressed that for a long time the government had not made decisions that would be fair to both Poles and Ukrainians who work honestly and pay taxes. He recalled that during the presidential campaign, Rafal Trzaskowski proposed limiting the “800+” payments only to Ukrainians who are integrated into Polish society.

How will this affect Ukrainians in Poland?

If the law is passed, the rules for Ukrainian citizens will change significantly:

- Only working Ukrainians will have access to social benefits and medical care.

- The process of obtaining citizenship will become longer and require more time for integration.

- Sanctions for illegal border crossings will be strengthened.

The previously proposed law provided for the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2026. However, President Karol Nawrocki proposed an alternative draft, which, in his opinion, should be more “fair to both Poles and Ukrainians who work honestly in Poland.”

Reminder! The closed sky and lack of air service reduce the options for getting to Ukraine. However, the country's land borders are open, so it is worth researching routes for entering Ukraine for Polish citizens in advance. How to get from Poland to Ukraine in 2025 — read here.

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