On Friday, President Karol Nawrocki signed into law an act on assistance for Ukrainian citizens residing in Poland. The legislation was passed by the Sejm on September 12.
The amendment extends the legal stay of Ukrainian citizens in Poland until March 4, 2026. It also introduces significant changes to the rules for granting the 800+ child benefit. Under the new provisions, to qualify for the benefit, a parent (or guardian) must:
- be employed in Poland, and
- ensure that the child attends school in Poland.
In addition, eligibility for the benefit will be conditional on earning at least 50% of the minimum wage—which in 2025 amounts to PLN 2,333 gross per month.
BCC: Logical and Necessary Solutions
“Andrzej Szmigiel, Chairman of the BCC Team for Cooperation with Ukraine, welcomed the signing of the law prepared by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration.
“The absence of proper regulations created chaos and serious risks for both Poland and Ukraine,” he said.
Karolina Samul, Secretary of the Team, added:
“Linking eligibility for benefits to legal employment in Poland is a logical and fair compromise.”
Szmigiel emphasized that the Business Centre Club (BCC) is fully ready to cooperate with both the Polish Government and the President to develop the best and most just solutions for all stakeholders.
Beyond Political Divisions
Piotr Wojciechowski, Vice-Chairman of the Team, stressed that issues concerning Polish-Ukrainian relations should be kept free from political disputes.
“On matters of such importance, there is no room for political divisions. We must act together and responsibly,” he said.
End of Benefits for Non-Residents and Non-Workers
During a press briefing, the head of the President’s Chancellery explained that the changes to the 800+ program are intended to eliminate cases where support was being granted to people not residing or working in Poland, who were not paying contributions or taxes, and whose children were not attending Polish schools.
“That situation was incomprehensible and unacceptable. Now it has been brought to an end,” he stated.
Source: CEO.com.pl
