Uncertain future for Ukrainians in Poland? The law amendment has been halted.

As media reported in recent hours, President Karol Nawrocki refused to sign the amendment to the law, which may delay its entry into force. This situation causes concern, as the lack of a clear decision creates a state of suspension for thousands of people who still need a clear legal framework.

In the face of uncertainty about the future of refugees’ legal status in Poland, the situation of Ukrainian citizens continues to evoke a lot of emotion. The latest media reports and official communications shed new light on the future fate of Ukrainians in our country. The following information, based on current reports, explains what changes are on the horizon.

President Karol Nawrocki, in refusing to sign the amendment, expressed his reservations, while at the same time emphasizing Poland’s unchanged stance on the war in Ukraine. In his statement, the full text of which is available on the President’s website, he said: – We are still open to helping the citizens of Ukraine; that has not changed. The strategic goal of the Polish state in the face of Russia’s attack on Ukraine has also not changed – Poland’s interest is to militarily, to a military extent, support Ukraine in this conflict. The Russian Federation is the perpetrator, and Ukraine is the victim of this war. But after 3.5 years, our law should be corrected. The law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens does not make this correction, which was the subject of public debate, that 800+ should be granted to those Ukrainians who take up the obligation to work. I do not agree with this. “First Poland, first Poles” is not just an election slogan. We should achieve social justice here.

Extension of temporary protection: From September 30, 2025, to March 4, 2026.

Originally, according to the European Union Council’s decision of October 2023, temporary protection for Ukrainians was to be valid until September 30, 2025. However, in a subsequent implementing decision on June 25, 2024, the EU Council extended the protection again, this time until March 4, 2026. The Polish government has prepared a draft amendment to the law that is intended to adapt Polish law to this EU decision.

Key provisions of the amendment: What will change?

The draft amendment not only changes the end date of temporary protection. It also introduces a number of other significant changes aimed at tightening the aid system and adapting it to the current situation:

• PESEL UKR status until March 2026: The legal stay of Ukrainian citizens with a PESEL UKR status will be extended until March 4, 2026.
• New path for legalizing stay: The draft provides for the possibility of applying for a new type of residence card – “Temporary Residence Card for Citizens of Ukraine” (CUKR). This is intended to be a safety buffer that will prevent the loss of legal residence status in the event of no further extension of temporary protection. This permit will be granted once.
• Tightening of the benefit system: There are voices that the amendment will aim to clarify the rules for granting social benefits. One point of debate is linking benefits, such as 800+, to taking up work in Poland.
• New administrative requirements: The amendment is also intended to introduce changes in administrative procedures to prevent abuses, for example, in cases of providing false information or using forged documents.

What does this mean for Ukrainians in Poland?

The situation is dynamic. On the one hand, there is the EU decision to extend protection until March 4, 2026, which provides a certain sense of stability. On the other hand, the lack of the president’s signature on the law creates uncertainty about the date of the new regulations’ entry into force. Therefore, it is so important to follow official government communications and information published by the Office for Foreigners. The new regulations, although aimed at tightening the system, give hope for a longer perspective of legal residence. It is now crucial for a quick agreement on the law, which would allow for the stabilization of the legal situation for Ukrainian citizens in Poland.