Poland’s new bill, drafted in December, will phase out special provisions for Ukrainians and treat them as any other foreign national starting March 4, 2026.
Repeal of Special Provisions in 2022 Ukrainian Assistance Law
The government said that the 2022 law, which enabled quick registration, legal status confirmation and access to essential public services for Ukrainian citizens, will be repealed. Four years later, Polish authorities and municipalities can handle newcomers using normal procedures, finding most refugees employment and schools for their children. Continuing special treatment risks discriminatory legal relations with the general foreigner regime.
Ministry Calls for Changes to Social Benefit Access
The Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) notes that many mechanisms in the special law were efficient and will be integrated into the 2003 law on protection of foreigners. This includes transferring registration of temporary protection beneficiaries (PESEL UKR) and identity confirmation via the electronic document DIIA, moving away from paper certificates to prevent administrative paralysis. Adjustments to access to social benefits, medical care and housing for temporary protection beneficiaries are also needed, along with verification of eligibility grounds.
From March 4, 2026, Ukrainians Treated Like Other Foreigners
Following EU Commission recommendations on phasing out temporary protection for Ukrainian war refugees, the bill specifies that all Ukrainians will be treated as regular foreigners from March 4 2026. Ukrainian nationals can still use urgent aid under SOR, but must work and pay contributions to access other medical services or the 800‑Plus program. Parents will need employment to receive the benefit.
Amendment to Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens
In September, President Karol Nawrocki signed an amendment to the law extending its validity until March next year, continuing the illegality of stay for Ukrainian citizens. The draft tightens the system for receiving benefits for foreign families and ties entitlement to 800‑Plus, Good Start, and other benefits to employment activity and children’s attendance at Polish schools. The Social Insurance Institution will monthly verify whether foreign nationals are professionally active. Restrictions also apply to adult Ukrainians’ access to healthcare benefits, with exceptions for persons with disabilities.
