REFUGEES IN POLAND

REFUGEES IN POLAND – Support for refugees

On 9 March 2022, the Sejm passed a law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict on their territory. It covers a number of issues relating to the residence of refugees in Poland. In this article, you will learn: What is the process for legalising a refugee’s stay in Poland? What problems do refugees face? What benefits can they apply for? What advantages does refugee status offer?

What does the legalisation procedure involve?

A refugee from Ukraine may lawfully stay in Poland for 18 months, counting from 24 February 2022, if:

• they have entered Poland legally, hold a Polish Card and wish to remain here long-term;
• they are a close family member of a Ukrainian citizen who holds a Polish Card and wishes to remain here for the long term.

Their lawful stay in Poland is governed by the provisions of the Act of 12 March 2022 on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of that country. Within 90 days of arriving in Poland, they must submit the relevant application for a PESEL number. Such applications are accepted by local authority offices. The ‘Firma Dla Każdego’ Foundation will assist you with all legalisation matters.

Who is not covered by these provisions?

This is the simplified procedure for legalising the residence of refugees. It does not apply to people:

• who hold a permanent residence permit;
• who hold a long-term resident’s permit for the European Union;
• with a temporary residence permit;
• who have refugee status;
• who have subsidiary protection;
• who have applied for international protection in Poland;
• who have declared their intention to apply for international protection in Poland;
• from other countries, arriving from Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict.

How can a refugee extend their stay in Poland?

Refugees from Ukraine who intend to remain in Poland for a longer period may, before the expiry of 18 months (counted from 24 February 2022), but not earlier than after 9 months, apply for a temporary residence permit. This permits full access to the labour market. There is no need to meet any additional requirements, such as those relating to accommodation.

Problems faced by refugees in Poland

• Renting a flat is a major problem, as refugees do not have the means to do so. Before the outbreak of the war with Russia, Ukrainian citizens came to Poland mainly to work. At that time, they had sufficient funds to rent a flat or a room. Some were students, so they were usually entitled to grants. Today, the situation has changed drastically. Poles who provide food and accommodation for refugees from Ukraine may receive a cash benefit. However (with certain exceptions), this can only be paid for a maximum of 120 days.
• Finding work – for a refugee to gain access to the labour market in Poland, they must apply for a PESEL number. This is the first hurdle. The next is that the majority of those who have arrived in Poland are women and children.  They face greater difficulties in finding employment than men. An additional barrier is a lack of language skills. Although job vacancies do exist, many of them require a conversational level of Polish. Sometimes this may mean the ability to speak English, but this is far less common.
• The problem with access to healthcare – when people arrive in Poland without medical records, their treatment is very difficult. Doctors are unaware of their medical history. Furthermore, a language barrier may arise here. Another problem may be the lack of a PESEL number, which means that a refugee from Ukraine does not have access to basic healthcare services.

Benefits for refugees – how can they be claimed?

• Refugee allowance (300 zł for Ukrainians) – this is a cash benefit intended to cover daily living expenses. It is payable per person. The benefit is paid in cash or into a bank account.
• 500+ for Ukrainians – this benefit is paid under the same conditions as for Polish nationals. It is available to those who have a child.
• Family allowance – a form of benefit for the poorest families, designed to meet children’s needs. Family allowance and its amount: 95 zł per child up to the age of 5; 124.00 zł per child aged over 5 and up to 18; 135.00 zł per child aged over 18 and up to 24.

Refugee status – who is eligible?

Refugee status may be granted to any person who, out of fear of persecution, cannot remain in their own country. This applies to any citizen who has fled Ukraine.

An application for refugee status can be submitted at any Border Guard post. This can be done as soon as you cross the Polish border. The foreign national should present all the documents they hold, as well as evidence confirming their circumstances.

An application for refugee status is then completed on a special form (in Polish). This includes, amongst other things, information such as: personal details, education, most recent place of employment and state of health.

Refugee status guarantees that the person in question will not be required to leave Poland, nor will they be deported. Additional benefits include access to medical care, legal aid, social assistance and support for voluntary return to their home country.

Read more here.