Poles are more supportive of accepting refugees from Ukraine than those from the Middle East and Africa, according to the latest report titled “What Influences the Perception of Refugees in Poland,” published by the Center for Research on Social Relations at SWPS University. The authors of the study note that this divide exists across voters of all political parties.
The Refugee Debate in Polish Politics
Migration and refugee issues have been central to the Polish political debate for years. As the report points out, the topic first gained traction during the European migration crisis in 2015. Since then, it has regularly surfaced in public and political discourse. Most recently, Poland has faced two distinct migration situations: the humanitarian crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border beginning in mid-2021 and the mass influx of Ukrainian refugees after Russia’s invasion in early 2022.
A nationally representative survey conducted by the SWPS Center in 2024 (N=1001) reveals that voters of all major political parties are more open to accepting refugees from Ukraine than those from the Middle East or Africa. Among party supporters, the least support for Ukrainian refugees is found among voters of the Confederation party, while the highest levels of acceptance were recorded among supporters of Civic Coalition (KO) and the Left, with no significant difference between the two groups.
Support is even lower when the question pertains to refugees from the Middle East and Africa. Voters of the ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party at that time, along with Confederation voters, were least likely to support accepting these groups. Supporters of KO and the Left again showed the highest levels of acceptance.
Political Affiliation is a Key Factor
According to the report, political views are among the most significant factors differentiating attitudes toward refugees. Right-leaning individuals tend to show more resistance, while centrist and left-leaning voters are generally more open and supportive.
“These findings are consistent with other research showing that political ideology plays a crucial role in shaping attitudes toward various social groups, including ethnic or sexual minorities, migrants, and refugees. This is a global phenomenon, not unique to Poland,” says Patryk Kukla of SWPS University, co-author of the report.
Social Dominance and Authoritarianism Also Influence Views
The report also highlights the role of social dominance orientation (SDO) — a personality trait characterized by a preference for social hierarchy and a perception of society as a competitive jungle. Individuals with higher SDO were less likely to support accepting Ukrainian refugees. For refugees from the Middle East and Africa, both higher SDO and higher right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) — linked to a strong adherence to authority and tradition — correlated with lower acceptance.
Cultural Proximity, Media Exposure, and Geography Matter
One of the key takeaways from the study is that attitudes toward refugees are shaped not only by political ideology, but also by perceived cultural proximity. Ukrainian refugees are seen as culturally closer to Poles — sharing similar values, Slavic language roots, and comparable lifestyles. They are also perceived as having a higher social status than refugees from the Middle East and Africa.
Another factor is the visibility and familiarity of the conflict. The war in Ukraine has been extensively covered by Polish media, fostering empathy and understanding. In contrast, the conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan are less well known. Furthermore, Ukraine’s geographical proximity makes the crisis feel more immediate and relevant to Poles.
“The key insight from the report is that not all refugees are perceived equally. Higher acceptance of Ukrainian refugees stems from a combination of factors — cultural familiarity, higher social status, strong media presence, and geographical closeness. These elements are mostly absent in the case of refugees from the Middle East and Africa,” notes Kukla.
The Role of Societal Security and Personal Well-Being
The study shows that individuals who feel respected, visible, and empowered within society are more likely to support refugee acceptance, especially for Ukrainians. Higher education levels also correlate with greater acceptance. Conversely, increased religiosity is associated with lower support for accepting refugees from both regions.
Interestingly, psychological factors such as life satisfaction and agency were positively associated only with support for Ukrainian refugees, suggesting a more complex and nuanced perception of this specific group.
“The fact that more variables predict attitudes toward Ukrainian refugees may reflect the perceived diversity and familiarity of this group in Polish society,” Kukla concludes.
Politics and Emotions Shape Social Perceptions
Ultimately, the report underscores that attitudes toward refugees are shaped by a complex interplay of ideological, psychological, and cultural factors. While Poles express general solidarity with those fleeing war, their willingness to help depends heavily on the refugees’ country of origin.
Political narratives, which frame some refugees as victims and others as threats, play a significant role in shaping public opinion. The authors suggest that a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms behind these attitudes can pave the way for more thoughtful public debate and more effective integration policies.
Source: CEO.com.pl – “Not All Refugees Are Equal: Where They Come From Shapes Social Acceptance in Poland”
