Polish Senate passes refugee support bill, extending protection for Ukrainians

Fifty-seven senators voted in favor of the legislation and 32 opposed it; none abstained.

The measure extends temporary protection for Ukrainian national in Poland through March 4, 2026, and ties social security payments to seeking employment.

“As for this law, we agree with the president on the goals: health care, legal residency, labor market access, and limiting family benefits,” said Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk.

“There’s no dispute there. The discussion concerns how to ensure it really works. I’m ready to provide information on why our proposal would be more effective — if only because it applies to all foreigners, not just Ukrainians.” 

The bill now awaits President Karol Nawrocki’s signature. It was previously approved by the Sejm, Poland’s lower house of parliament.

If signed, the law will tighten controls on foreigners receiving social assistance by linking eligibility to professional activity (being gainfully employed or seeking employment) and to children attending Polish schools. Parents of children with disabilities will be exempt from these requirements.

Poland’s Social Insurance Institution will conduct monthly checks to verify whether applicants have been “professionally active.” Payments will not be disbursed for any month in which a recipient has not worked. Officials will also monitor whether beneficiaries remain in Poland.

The law also introduces limits on healthcare services available to adult Ukrainian citizens, including preventive health programs, therapeutic rehabilitation, dental treatment, and prescription drug subsidies.