Poland Tightens Rules for Ukrainians: Temporary Protection Now Requires Proof of Exemption from Military Service.

today, 13:36 206

today, 13:36 206

Poland tightens rules for Ukrainians

New Requirements for Ukrainians in Poland

According to Espreso.tv: Under Poland's upcoming legislation, Ukrainian nationals will only qualify for temporary protection if they can present a certificate confirming they are not subject to military mobilization. These changes apply to Ukrainians arriving after the new rules take effect, which could be passed in July 2023 and come into force in March 2027. The move stems from the need to regulate the status of Ukrainian citizens in Poland amid the ongoing war.

Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita reports on the fresh conditions for Ukrainians seeking EU temporary protection. Poland's Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk has confirmed the preparations are in their final stage. According to Eurostat, roughly 4.3 million Ukrainian citizens currently hold temporary protection status. Germany hosts about 1.2 million Ukrainians, while Poland shelters nearly 960,000.

Impact of New Rules on Ukrainians

As of mid-June 2023, over 218,000 Ukrainian men aged 18 to 65 were living in Poland. This figure could significantly affect how the new requirements are implemented. Additionally, Poland's Interior Ministry plans to revise citizenship rules, including raising the minimum residency period to eight years. It has also proposed making proof of Polish language proficiency at the B2 level mandatory.

It is important to note that Polish authorities emphasize the role of military service for young Ukrainians.

“All young Ukrainians in Poland who are fit for military service should defend their country against Russia,” said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

These legal changes could have a major impact on Ukrainians seeking refuge in Poland, as the new regulations will demand additional paperwork and obligations from them.

The revisions to Polish law concerning temporary protection for Ukrainians reflect the pressing challenges the country faces due to the war in Ukraine. Introducing new demands, such as the military exemption certificate, may make it harder for many Ukrainians looking for a safe place to live to gain protection. At the same time, changes in citizenship rules could affect the long-term stay of Ukrainians in Poland, requiring greater effort from them in terms of socialization and integration into Polish society.