Will Poland's attitude toward Ukrainians change after the elections?

After the presidential elections in Poland, many questions arose regarding the future of Ukrainian refugees. Learn more about the Polish Embassy's position on changes to the social assistance system, what to expect from the Polish authorities in the near future, and how this will affect the lives of Ukrainians in Poland

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After the first round of presidential elections in Poland, the issue of social support for Ukrainian refugees has once again become the focus of public attention.

Despite statements by some candidates about possible cuts in payments to foreigners, Polish authorities are calling for calm and a measured response to changes in social policy.

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Natural transformation of the welfare system

As Piotr Łukasiewicz, Poland's chargé d'affaires in Ukraine, said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, the social benefits system in Poland is constantly changing and transforming in line with the country's internal needs.

“We are discussing the ‘800+’ program, which supports Polish families with children. The changes to the system will be natural and will affect everyone, including Ukrainian refugees who have become part of this system,” the diplomat said.

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Conditions for receiving assistance are becoming clearer

Among the changes already implemented are stricter conditions for receiving support. For example, in order to receive a payment of PLN 40 per month for taking in refugees, it is now mandatory to send children to school.

According to Lukasevich, these changes are not aimed at reducing assistance, but at increasing the transparency and efficiency of the system.

“This is not about excluding certain social groups, but about improving the overall structure,” he explained.

Ukrainians are part of Polish society

Poland does not view Ukrainian refugees as a temporary phenomenon. Łukasiewicz emphasized that they have already become residents, friends, and colleagues of Poles, pay taxes, and are integrating into the business environment.

Therefore, they are entitled to the same treatment as other members of society, taking into account changes that affect everyone.

Return or integration — the choice is up to the people

Regarding the future of Ukrainians in Poland, the diplomat stressed that the state does not intend to force people to leave the country or, conversely, to stay.

“It is their personal choice. No one will force them. We can only study the mood using sociology, but no threat or injustice is expected for them,” Lukasiewicz said.

Elections and candidates' rhetoric

Against the backdrop of the presidential elections in Poland, the candidates' rhetoric on foreigners varied.

Opposition candidate Karol Nawrocki spoke in favor of prioritizing support for Poles, while the current mayor of Warsaw, Rafal Trzaskowski, spoke about possible restrictions on benefits for unemployed Ukrainians. However, the diplomat stressed that one should judge not by words, but by real actions after the elections.

How many Ukrainians are there in Poland?

According to the UN, there were almost one million Ukrainian refugees in Poland at the end of 2024. Their number is gradually decreasing but remains a significant part of society.

Ukrainian refugees in Poland should prepare for changes in social policy, but not expect radical steps. The state is gradually adapting the system to new challenges, and Ukrainians who have already become part of Polish life will not be left unattended.

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We remind you! In 2025, the share of employers hiring Ukrainians in Poland decreased significantly. Read about the trends in the labor market, where Ukrainians most often work, their salary levels, and who their new competitors are in our previous article.

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