Poland Ends Free Housing for Refugees: Who Will Be Affected.

Poland Tightens Refugee Accommodation Policy

According to Espreso.tv: Starting July 1, 2023, Poland has reduced eligibility for free accommodation in refugee centers. The change primarily affects Ukrainians who are already employed in the country. According to Karolina Galecka,

“most Ukrainians in Poland are already working, so the special assistance has essentially run its course.”

• people with disabilities;
• pensioners who do not receive a Polish pension and have no family in Poland;
• pregnant women.

Before July 1, 2023, the aid covered roughly 11,000 individuals, half of whom were children. The new restrictions will force about 40% of current residents to leave their accommodations, mostly single mothers. For example, Julia, who is expecting her seventh child, will lose funding for her other six children. Another resident, Mira, has five children, works full-time earning minimum wage, yet cannot afford private rental housing.

Concerns Over the Impact of New Restrictions

Poland’s Human Rights Ombudsman, Marcin Wiącek, has asked the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Policy to assess the consequences of these tighter rules. He warned that the changes

“could worsen the living conditions of people under temporary protection and increase the risk of homelessness.”

These policy shifts could significantly affect Poland’s social landscape, as many Ukrainians who fled war have already integrated into the local economy. Reducing the number of people eligible for free shelter raises the risk of social strain and homelessness, particularly among the most vulnerable groups like single mothers. It will be crucial to monitor the government’s next steps and their impact on refugees living in Poland.