The President of Poland, Karol Nawrocki, signed a law that abolishes certain provisions of the special law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens and integrates them into the general system of foreigner protection. This was reported by PAP.
Law on assistance to Ukrainians in Poland: what is changing
The new document terminates the extraordinary measures introduced after the onset of the full-scale war and integrates key mechanisms into the law on providing protection to foreigners. According to Karol Nawrocki, this will allow for the 'protection of state finances, streamlining the system, and restoring a sense of elementary justice'.
The main changes are as follows:
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extension of the legal stay of Ukrainians until March 4, 2027;
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retention of the PESEL UKR status as confirmation of legal residence;
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replacement of paper certificates with an electronic DIIA card;
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ability to verify identity via the mObywatel application;
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termination of temporary protection if the application for PESEL UKR is not submitted within 30 days of entry.
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Social support and transitional period
The law restricts part of the social benefits and housing assistance. Medical assistance will mainly be provided to children, working individuals, victims of violence, and vulnerable groups. Other non-working foreigners will receive support under general rules.
There is also a gradual winding down of the Assistance Fund and a transition to ordinary funding mechanisms. Additional educational programs, transportation, and language courses for Ukrainian children will remain in place until the end of the school year.
Karol Nawrocki emphasized that Poland continues to support Ukraine in the war against Russia, but considers the transition from 'unconditional privileges' to systemic solutions necessary.