Poland's Robust Response to the Ukrainian Refugee Crisis

Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Poland has seen a massive influx of refugees, with more than twelve million crossing its borders by mid-2023, and ten million of those subsequently returning to Ukraine. In response, on March 12, 2022, the Polish legislature enacted the “Act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine.” This law and its subsequent updates serve as the foundational legal mechanism for granting temporary protection to Ukrainians and eligible third-country nationals arriving after the invasion.

To legally reside in Poland, these individuals must obtain a PESEL number designated with a UKR status. This registration process is in accordance with the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive and affords them rights akin to those of Polish nationals, including the ability to work, access social benefits, receive healthcare, and a one-time payment of 300 PLN.

As of February 2024, the number of individuals registered under the PESEL UKR system surpassed 1.75 million, with more than 950,000 maintaining active status, many located in the Mazowieckie region. Notably, 36% of these registrants are children.

A survey conducted between June and August 2023 indicated significant mental health challenges among the refugee population. Over 20% of Ukrainians aged five and older reported experiencing emotional distress severe enough to interfere with their daily lives, with a majority in need of mental health or psychosocial support. Despite this need, only 45% received the necessary support, primarily due to unawareness of available resources or lack of time to seek help.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Poland has taken proactive measures to address these issues through a range of services including housing, essential needs, healthcare, and mental health support. Comprehensive data collection through the Data Tracking Matrix tool has been crucial in these efforts. By the end of January 2024, IOM Poland had assisted 248,234 unique individuals affected by the crisis.

The organization’s Psychosocial Mobile Teams (PMTs), particularly active in the Mazowieckie and Podkarpackie regions, have been instrumental, providing over 14,897 psychosocial support sessions and engaging more than 21,500 individuals in community activities like workshops and social gatherings. These initiatives are crucial for enhancing community integration and improving the overall well-being of refugees.

These extensive efforts underscore Poland's dedicated approach to managing the refugee situation effectively, ensuring comprehensive support to meet both the immediate and longer-term needs of those displaced by the conflict in Ukraine.