Poland cancels benefits for Ukrainians: what will change with employment from 2026.

According to ТСН: The Polish government has prepared a draft law that foresees the gradual abolition of the main provisions of the special law on the support of Ukrainian citizens.

Changes regarding work legalization

According to the document published on the website of the Government Legislation Center, from March 5, 2026, the simplified employment procedure will only be available for persons with temporary protection. This may complicate the process of оформлення foreign workers who previously had more benefits.

Labor market experts express concern about the potential consequences.

“This may lead to organizational chaos in companies and increase the risk of errors during the legalization of employment,”

Context for foreigners

The draft law also proposes extending the suspension of deadlines in administrative proceedings regarding foreigners until March 4, 2027. Employment expert Nadya Vinyarska notes that this effectively deprives foreigners of real legal protection and creates additional risks for Polish employers facing labor shortages. Business representatives emphasize that they were not involved in the discussion of these changes.

Situation in Ukraine

Amid tightened rules in Europe, discussions are ongoing in Ukraine about the conditions for the return of refugees. The director of the Institute of Demography and Social Research named after M. Ptukhа, Ella Libanova, emphasizes that the security situation is a decisive factor for return.

“If there is housing and work in Ukraine, the chances of return are significantly higher. It is important not only the current state of security but also the predicted prospects,”

She also urges Ukrainian employers to maintain communication with employees who have left. In her opinion, simple gestures of attention, such as informing about the company's plans or greeting for the holidays, can increase the likelihood of specialists returning after the situation stabilizes.

Let us remind you that Poland topped the ranking of EU countries for the number of employed Ukrainians.

Given the changes planned in Poland, Ukrainians and their employers must be prepared to adapt to new conditions. The continuation of delays in administrative proceedings threatens the legal status of foreigners, which can have serious consequences for the labor market. Therefore, it is important to monitor the developments in order to respond to challenges in a timely manner.