Ukrainians can lose their refugee status if they leave Poland on vacation or for holidays.
The new rules for refugees from Ukraine will take effect in the fall of 2024. The Rzeczpospolita newspaper reported the details.
Ukrainians will be able to stay in the territory of the neighboring country under the same conditions as citizens of the European Union from February 2022. This rule will be in effect until the end of September. The Polish government intends to introduce a number of changes to create harsher conditions for Ukrainian refugees. Next, they plan to develop other solutions that could lead to the loss of temporary protection for Ukrainians.
The special protection provided by law for Ukrainian citizens expires on March 4. According to the publication, the rule will be extended for 6 months. In September, the rules of stay will change.
They are considering, for example, the following changes: Ukrainians may lose their refugee status if they leave Poland on vacation or for holidays. The Polish government will then consider that these people no longer need protection. Currently, you can leave the country for 30 days without losing your special status.
Child benefits will also be reduced. No details are available yet, as the government will consult with ministries, organizations and local governments that provide assistance to Ukrainian refugees.
According to the local Ministry of Internal Affairs, more than 42,200 Ukrainian citizens are currently living in state centers funded by Poland. This is half the figure recorded last year.
In late December 2023, it was reported that Finland would pay €5,300 to refugees from Ukraine who return home. Ukrainian citizens can receive assistance, in particular, for travel expenses. The money can also be used to provide them with a service or equipment to undergo training or start a small business.
