Polish president signs new law on aid for Ukrainian refugees

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has signed a document that provides for the transfer of all instruments supporting Ukrainian refugees to the general Law on the Protection of Foreigners.

Source: European Pravda, citing RMF24, a Polish news portal

Details: The so-called Special Assistance Act for Ukrainians, in place since 2022, has established a separate legal framework that simplifies rules for residence, work, access to benefits and education for refugees from Ukraine.

The new law gradually abolishes this system and key support instruments will be included in the general provisions on the protection of foreigners.

Additionally, the signed document also extends the legitimacy of staying in Poland for Ukrainian citizens who fled the war until 4 March 2027.

One of the significant changes in the law is the introduction of the requirement to apply for a PESEL number, a personal identification number that provides access to various services and simplifies bureaucratic procedures, within 30 days of entering Poland.

Failure to submit an application within this period will result in the expiry of the temporary protection and will be regarded as a refusal to receive this form of support.

Background:

• In November 2025, President of Poland Karol Nawrocki announced that he had signed the law on assistance to citizens of Ukraine for the last time, and in the future, they will be treated like other national minorities.
• The previous law on aid for Ukrainians was vetoed by the Polish president, citing what he called an allegedly excessive amount of social assistance provided to Ukrainian refugees.
• The new law, rapidly prepared by the Polish government, was finally approved by the parliament on 17 September.

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