President Nawrocki’s veto on aid legislation risks denying legal residency to nearly a million Ukrainian refugees in Poland, as he opposes including non-working Ukrainians in the 800 Plus program.
Nawrocki Vetoes Aid Law for Ukrainians
President Nawrocki’s veto on the aid law could strip nearly a million Ukrainian refugees in Poland of legal residency. The politician justified his decision by opposing the inclusion of non-working Ukrainians in the 800 Plus program. The law extended until March 4, 2026, the right to work, education, healthcare, and social benefits for Ukrainians residing in Poland due to the war. Nawrocki announced work on a new version of the law that would alter the eligibility of Ukrainians for benefits and introduce revised rules for citizenship grants. Under his proposed law, individuals seeking citizenship would need to apply 10 years in advance. The law also includes a provision to increase the number of years added to sentences for illegal border crossings.
Olejnik Urges President Nawrocki to Consider Ukrainian Children
Monika Olejnik, a member of the ruling coalition, addressed President Nawrocki’s wife, Marta Nawrocka, emphasizing the plight of Ukrainian children amid the ongoing war. “I hope you will think about Ukrainian children, the aid they need, and that we have a war abroad where Ukrainians, Ukrainian women, and children are dying daily,” she stated. Olejnik warned that prioritizing social emotions over practical solutions could undermine efforts to support refugees.
Non-working Ukrainians? That’s a Myth
Dr. Olena Babakova, a journalist specializing in Ukrainian migration, clarified that the vast majority of Ukrainian refugees and labor migrants work and contribute to Poland’s economy. According to her, Poland boasts the highest employment rate for EU labor migrants, at around 90%, and over 70% for Ukrainian refugees. UNHCR estimates reveal that non-working Ukrainian refugees, who statistically earn less than labor migrants, accounted for 2.7% of Poland’s GDP last year.
Source: Gazeta, TVN24, IAR
