Polish President: Aid to Ukrainian refugees in Poland enters its last year

Nawrocki emphasized that support for the Ukrainian minority should combine responsibility with the principle of equal treatment for all national minorities.

"I do not want to be a president of chaos, so I signed the second version of the law on aid for Ukrainians, but I did it for the last time," he said.

At the same time, the Polish president highlighted the need to streamline the support system.

"Ukrainians should be treated like any other national minority," he stressed.

Nawrocki explained that the initial version of the law submitted for his signature included provisions for granting the 800+ benefit to Ukrainians who are not working in Poland, which he considered unacceptable.

"It was an unfair decision toward Poles," the Polish president said.

Aid for Ukrainians in Poland

In September, President Nawrocki signed a new law on aid for Ukrainian refugees, which extends their legal status in Poland until March 2026.

The new law was developed after Nawrocki vetoed amendments to the so-called 800+ aid for Ukrainians.

Under the new act, eligibility for payments depends on several conditions. Aid will be retained for those who are officially employed or whose children attend Polish schools. Exceptions are made for people with disabilities.

Additionally, to qualify for payments, foreigners must earn at least 50% of the minimum wage in Poland.

Polish authorities will check monthly whether recipients are employed. If a Ukrainian is not working, the 800+ payment will be stopped. Any absence from Poland will also be considered.

The law also introduces changes in healthcare. Adult Ukrainian citizens will face restrictions on access to certain medical services, including rehabilitation, dental care, and some medication treatments.