Poland to Integrate Ukrainian Refugees into General Protection System from 2026.

Poland Reforms Legal Framework for Ukrainian Refugees

According to Novyny.live: Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed legislation that will end the special legal status for Ukrainian refugees. Starting in 2026, their protections will be integrated into Poland's general system for granting temporary protection to foreigners. This move is part of a broader effort by the Polish government to streamline the legal status of the large number of Ukrainians who have sought refuge in the country since the full-scale invasion.

The new law terminates the separate Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens. Consequently, Ukrainian refugees will no longer be governed by a distinct legal framework. Instead, their rights and obligations will fall under the Law on Granting Protection to Foreigners. Applications for legalizing their stay will be accepted until March 4, 2027, providing an extended window for individuals to regularize their status.

Revised Rules for Legalization and Social Benefits

The new regulations will take effect on March 5, 2026. Rules for obtaining the PESEL UKR identification number have also been adjusted: applications must now be submitted within 30 days of entering Poland. This change is designed to simplify the legalization process for new arrivals.

Significantly, access to social benefits will now be restricted to particularly vulnerable groups. While the legal status of Ukrainian refugees is being extended, state-funded healthcare will be limited to specific categories. As a representative from the President's Office clarified:

"We are not terminating the assistance program, but rather incorporating it into the unified system of temporary protection."

President Nawrocki noted that public expectations influenced the government's decision to revise the proposal. He stated that this pressure "compelled the authorities to refine the draft and introduce changes that, in his words, many Poles had been anticipating." The law therefore aims not only to simplify the legal situation for Ukrainian refugees but also to adopt a more integrated approach to their protection within Poland.

These legislative changes are likely to have a substantial impact on the lives of Ukrainian refugees in Poland. It is crucial for all those affected to understand the new rules to fully exercise their rights.

The adoption of this law reflects the Polish government's attempt to bring order to the legal system concerning refugees and adapt it to evolving circumstances. Integrating support for Ukrainians into the general temporary protection framework may lead to more effective management of their rights and duties, while easing the legalization process for newcomers. These adjustments may also signal a response to growing societal expectations regarding refugee support in the context of social equity and national stability.