In Poland, an alternative draft law is being developed regarding social support for Ukrainian refugees. This decision is prompted by the recent veto of President Karol Nawrocki on the previous version of the law concerning the migrant assistance program “800+”. According to the new proposals, the right to social benefits for foreigners, including Ukrainians, will only be granted on the condition of employment in Poland.
This is reported by Finway
Features of the New Legislative Initiative
Meanwhile, another draft law proposed by the president is currently in the Polish Sejm. It aims to maintain the existing level of social support for Ukrainians until March 4, 2026. At the same time, additional conditions for receiving the “800+” benefits are being introduced: parents must be employed and children aged 7 and older must attend Polish schools. These requirements do not apply to younger children.
Public Support and Statistics
Surveys among Poles have shown that 59.8% of respondents support President Nawrocki’s decision to veto the draft law on assistance for Ukrainian refugees.
“At the same time, the president’s new draft law regarding social benefits for Ukrainians is also in the Sejm. It specifically aims to maintain the current level of support for Ukrainians until March 4, 2026 (as planned). At the same time, conditions for the 800+ payments are being established: dependence on the employment of parents in Poland and the existing requirement for children (aged 7 and older) to attend Polish schools.”
As of July this year, the “800+” program in Poland has benefited 276,600 foreign children, of which 224,700 were Ukrainians. Since June, Ukrainian refugees can receive such benefits only for children attending Polish schools or enrolled in “zero class”. These conditions are not mandatory for younger children.