Poland's Draft Law on Ukrainians
Poland is preparing a draft law that provides for the cancellation of certain provisions of the special law for Ukrainians, which may significantly impact the labor market and the status of nearly a million workers. Starting from March 5, 2025, Ukrainians who have temporary protection may lose some of their special rights. The draft law was published on the website of the Government Legislation Center at the end of December 2025.
Consequences of Proposed Changes
The proposed changes may lead to a suspension of deadlines in administrative cases involving foreigners until March 4, 2027. This means that Ukrainians working in Poland may find themselves in a situation of uncertainty regarding their legal status. The simplified employment procedure, which has been a key tool for companies facing labor shortages, may become less accessible.
Hope Viniarska stated that this decision will deprive foreigners of real legal protection and create risks for employers associated with possible illegal employment.
Thus, the cancellation of special rights for Ukrainians may have serious consequences for the labor market in Poland and for the workers themselves.
The changes proposed by the Polish government reflect a trend in changing the approach to migration policy in the context of economic challenges and labor market needs. The loss of special rights for Ukrainians may lead to a decrease in the number of available workers in the market, which, in turn, may negatively affect businesses reliant on foreign labor. This decision may also prompt Ukrainian workers to seek opportunities in other countries where employment conditions remain more stable.