Economic Risks for Poland Due to the Departure of Ukrainians
Poland has warned of economic risks that may arise if Ukrainians leave the country. Experts from the Polish labor market note that Ukrainians do not take jobs from Poles; on the contrary, they fill critical vacancies. If they leave, the Polish economy may suffer negative consequences.
The Importance of Ukrainian Workers in Poland
Currently, 80% of Ukrainians work in Poland, which is the highest rate in Europe. This indicates the significant role of Ukrainian workers in the Polish economy. In comparison, 48% of Ukrainians work in the Czech Republic, and 25% work in Germany. Many of them are employed in fields where Poles are less willing to work, such as:
- care for the elderly
- hospitality (HoReCa)
- hotel business
An important factor is the special law that allows Ukrainians to work without permits. This law is in effect until March 4, 2026, after which the rules may change, as noted by expert Zbigniew Bohucki. Piotr Rogowiecki, another expert, emphasized that Ukrainians primarily work in those sectors where Poles no longer wish to work. This further confirms the importance of Ukrainian workers in the Polish labor market and the potential risks to the economy in their absence.
The situation with Ukrainian workers in Poland highlights the need for an interdisciplinary approach to addressing labor migration issues. The special law that allows Ukrainians to work without permits provides stability in the labor market, but its expiration may lead to a labor shortage in critical sectors. Poland will need to find alternative solutions to support economic growth in a changing labor market.