Council of Ministers adopted a draft act on assistance to Ukrainians 🇵🇱🇺🇦

The government adopted a draft act on assistance to Ukrainians, as announced on Tuesday by the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, Marcin Kierwiński. He stated that the act is intended to regulate the payment of benefits to foreigners, such as 800 plus, Dobry start, and Aktywny rodzic.

Background and Justification for the Decision

The act adopted by the Council of Ministers is a response to the “unjustified and unwise” veto by President Karol Nawrocki concerning the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians residing in Poland. Kierwiński explained that the government is trying to correct these errors as quickly as possible to protect Poles from a “gigantic mess and potential gigantic financial consequences.” He added that if this proposal had not been adopted, the costs for Poland could have amounted to as much as 8 billion zloty.

“We are trying to fix the errors that occurred as a result of the president’s veto as quickly as possible and protect Poles from a gigantic mess and from potential gigantic financial consequences. Because if this proposal, which we are submitting today, had not been adopted, we could expect that the costs that would fall on the administration, on Poland—and thus on Poles—would amount to up to 8 billion zloty,” said Kierwiński.

Key Changes and Improvements in the Draft Act

The draft act comprehensively regulates the issue of all benefits for all foreigners who legally reside in Poland, regardless of their nationality. The main principles are:

• Benefits and professional activity: The payment of benefits will be contingent on the professional activity of the individual. This rule will not apply to persons raising children with disabilities, upon obtaining the relevant certificate from Polish institutions.
• Minimum wage: The right to benefits will be linked to foreigners earning at least 50% of the minimum wage, which in 2025 will be 2333 zloty gross.
• ZUS verification: The Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) will monthly check whether foreigners have been professionally active. This system will be based on information regarding social security contributions. If a foreigner was not active in a given month, the benefit will be suspended, and the transfer will not be sent. ZUS will also verify with the register of the Commander-in-Chief of the Border Guard whether the foreigner has left Poland.
• Mandatory PESEL: The obligation to have a PESEL number will be introduced for individuals applying for benefits and their children. When a PESEL is assigned, the stay of children in Poland will also be verified to enable better identification.
• Integration of databases: The new regulations also provide for the integration of databases from various institutions, which is intended to allow for more effective monitoring of foreigners’ entitlements and to eliminate attempts at benefit fraud.
• Extension of stay: Another issue included in the act is the extension of the legal stay for war refugees residing in Poland until March 4, 2026.
• Access to the labor market: Access to the labor market, education, and higher education will be extended.
• Healthcare restrictions: Restrictions will be introduced on the use of healthcare benefits by adult Ukrainian citizens (e.g., health programs, therapeutic rehabilitation, dental treatment, and medication programs).

Next Steps

The draft act will be submitted to the Sejm in an “express mode.” The government hopes for it to be processed during this Sejm sitting and quickly sent for approval to the President of the Republic of Poland.

“We hope that it will quickly reach the president and that the president has reconsidered his irresponsible decision and will not push Poland, will not push Poles, into a gigantic legal chaos and gigantic potential costs,” Kierwiński noted.

The new provisions are generally intended to come into force on the day following their publication in the Journal of Laws. The project aims to tighten the system, encourage foreigners to work, and contribute to Poland’s GDP. These actions are intended to provide support to those in need in a more effective and controlled manner.

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