Ukrainians Must Contact Local Authorities by August 31, 2026, to Address Employment Issues in Poland

Why It's Crucial to Reach Out to the Gmina Office

According to Radiotrek — Світ: By August 31, 2026, some Ukrainian citizens are required to contact their local gmina office in Poland. This step is essential for those planning to work in the country, as it helps ensure proper employment registration and legal protection. Gremi Personal recently analyzed job seeker inquiries from the past six months and identified ten common challenges faced by foreign workers in Poland.

Common Employment Challenges for Ukrainians in Poland

Ukrainian job seekers in Poland often encounter several significant issues, including:

• Receiving part of their salary unofficially, commonly known as "under the table" payments.
• Lack of proper registration with ZUS, Poland’s social insurance system, which means workers may be unregistered.
• The risk of being offered forged medical certificates instead of undergoing legitimate health examinations.
• Incorrect tax residency status due to signing documents that do not reflect the employee’s true situation.
• Being falsely registered as a student to meet certain employment conditions, despite not holding that status.
• Job listings advertising maximum wage rates, while the actual contract states lower base pay.
• Part of the promised salary being paid as bonuses tied to additional conditions or performance.
• Manipulation of reported working hours, with payroll reflecting fewer hours than actually worked.
• Non-payment or underpayment for overtime and night shifts, bypassing legally mandated extra compensation.
• Unexpected deductions from wages for housing, transportation, clothing, or other expenses without prior agreement.

Before accepting employment in Poland, it is strongly advised to carefully verify the contract’s actual wage, bonus terms, ZUS registration, total working hours, and any potential salary deductions. This diligence helps protect workers’ rights and prevents future disputes.

For Ukrainians seeking work in Poland, understanding these risks is vital. Contacting the gmina office by the August 31, 2026 deadline is a key measure toward legalizing employment and safeguarding labor rights. Being informed about these common pitfalls empowers prospective workers to make well-informed decisions and avoid exploitation during their job search in Poland.