Poland is abolishing special status for Ukrainians: what will change from 2026.

According to ТСН: The Polish government is reviewing its approaches to Ukrainian refugees and is working on new rules for their residence in the country.

According to the information provided, a draft law on the gradual abolition of decisions made under a special law that guaranteed assistance to Ukrainian citizens during the armed conflict has been included in the list of legislative initiatives.

Karolina Galecka, spokeswoman for the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, stated that according to the new document, after March 4, 2026, Ukrainians will be considered like other foreigners.

"The project was prepared by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, and the responsibility for developing new decisions lies with Deputy Minister Czeslaw Mroczek. On the one hand, the document is a result of the recommendations of the European Commission, and on the other hand, a reaction to the loud veto of President Karol Nawrocki," the publication noted.

This document concerns the termination of the special law enacted on March 12, 2022, which introduced emergency legal mechanisms for the rapid registration of Ukrainians and ensuring their access to essential services.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Poland explained that the main goal of the new legislation is to unify support for all individuals receiving temporary protection, as well as to adapt norms to the new migration situation.

"After almost four years, the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Poland has stabilized, and state and local government authorities have learned to work with foreigners within standard procedures," the statement read.

After March 4, 2026 — general rules

The final form of the project has not yet been determined, but some motivations for its creation are already known.

According to Karolina Galecka, the document, in accordance with the recommendations of the European Commission, provides for the refusal to extend the current special rules after March 4, 2026.

The ministry states that most Ukrainian refugees are already employed, and their children are studying in Polish schools, so maintaining special norms could lead to unequal treatment of other foreigners.

The draft law provides for the abolition of norms that create a separate system for citizens of Ukraine, as well as the gradual closing of differences with a transition to new general legal norms.

Health care, education, and 800+

In particular, the issues of access to healthcare, social benefits, and education for Ukrainians generate the most discussions. The Ministry of Internal Affairs explained that Ukrainians will be able to receive emergency medical assistance, but for other services, they will need to be employed and pay contributions. Similar conditions apply to the 800+ program, where parents must be officially employed.

Overall, the draft law provides for the refusal to extend temporary protection under current conditions and the regulation of the status of Ukrainians according to general rules for all foreigners. However, until March 4, 2027, Poland is obliged to adhere to norms regarding the legality of the stay of Ukrainian refugees.

The current rules concerning assistance to Ukrainian citizens will remain in force until March 4, 2026. The Ministry of Internal Affairs also hopes to pass the new draft law already in 2025.

Poland, along with several other EU countries, received an exception in the pan-European migrant resettlement program, allowing Warsaw to temporarily refrain from participating in the new solidarity system.

The EU also took into account the artificially created crisis by Minsk at the Polish border. According to the rules, EU countries must either host some migrants or pay a contribution of €20,000 for refusal.

Changes in the policy regarding Ukrainian refugees in Poland reflect the adaptation to the new realities established over three years of war. These steps show how the country is trying to integrate refugees into its social and economic structures while adhering to European norms. It is expected that the end of the special norms will open new opportunities for Ukrainians who have already adapted in Poland.