Monday, March 7, 2022

Ukrainians crossing Polish border will have the right to stay in Poland for 18 months


 The Polish government has adopted a bill on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with an armed conflict in the territory of that state. The head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Mariusz Kaminski, at a conference with the participation of, among others, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that on Tuesday the Sejm would discuss the draft.

- We are introducing the principle that crossing the border during an armed conflict, registering the crossing by the Border Guard, gives these people from Ukraine the right to stay legally for 18 months in our country, with the possibility of extension, if the situation requires it, for another 18 months - informed the minister.

The government also wants such people to be able to work legally in Poland, have access to health care, and that minors can benefit from education. 

Kaminski said at the conference that 1,085,000 refugees had come to Poland since the beginning of the Russian attack on Ukraine. The minister noted that some refugees now declare their will to stay in Poland. The predominant group of refugees, he added, are women and children. These people, he explained, are provided with ad hoc assistance with food, accommodation, and transport.