New rules for Ukrainians in Poland from March 2026

The special law that allowed for the rapid registration of new arrivals and provided them with extraordinary support instruments will cease to apply. This marks the end of temporary solutions and a transition to standard procedures for handling foreigners by state institutions and local governments.

The new regulations stipulate that only those who work and pay social security contributions will be fully eligible for social benefits, including the 800+ program. Emergency medical care will remain an exception – access to hospital emergency rooms will not depend on professional status or contributions.

The draft was prepared by the Ministry of Interior and Administration. Representatives of the President's Office and a spokeswoman for the ministry commented on the changes, emphasizing that the refugee situation in Poland has stabilized and there is no longer a need for special, emergency measures.

The government justifies the changes primarily on administrative grounds. Nearly four years after the special act's adoption, the refugee situation in Poland has stabilized: many have found employment, and state institutions and local governments have learned to handle foreigners within standard procedures. Therefore, as ministry representatives emphasize, the time has come to move away from emergency solutions and toward systemic solutions. However, the decision also has a political dimension — it was a response to President Karol Nawrocki's veto in August 2025, who opposed further extensions of special conditions for Ukrainians. Paweł Szefernaker also emphasized this pressure, pointing to the need to end the exceptional treatment of refugees. The phasing out of the special act is also in line with the European Commission's recommendations to gradually phase out temporary protection, which is intended to ensure consistency between Polish regulations and EU guidelines.

The introduction of new rules brings both benefits and significant challenges. The hardest hit may be families without permanent employment, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who, due to limited opportunities to enter the labor market, risk losing some benefits and falling into poverty. Meanwhile, economically active individuals will maintain full access to social programs, which means greater stability for them. Local governments and non-governmental organizations will be faced with additional administrative and financial responsibilities, including the creation of professional activation programs and transitional support for those who do not meet the new criteria.

From the perspective of the labor market and the state budget, the changes may increase the supply of workers and reduce social spending, but they also generate the risk of short-term costs and side effects, such as work in the informal economy and unstable employment. Social tensions stemming from a sense of injustice and communication difficulties regarding the new rules also remain a significant threat. Therefore, the introduction of clear criteria, exceptions for those unable to work, and transparent transition mechanisms will be crucial.

The new rules come into effect on March 4, 2026. It's worth checking detailed information now at labor offices, on the Ministry of Interior and Administration websites, and at local social welfare centers, as well as seeking advice from aid organizations. Specialized services may also be useful, such as power of attorney to represent a foreigner offered by law firms, support with legalizing stay and work, or comprehensive services for foreigners available at specialized points. The expiration of the special act is a major systemic change aimed at standardizing rules, but it also raises real challenges, so we encourage you to monitor updates and ask questions to institutions.