The Polish government wants Ukrainian refugees to start paying for some government-supplied housing and food early next year, the Polish Prime Minister’s office said on Tuesday, and the Council of Ministers has passed draft legislation for that purpose, which is expected to pass easily in the National Assembly.
Poland has borne the brunt of Europe’s biggest exodus since World War II, when millions of Ukrainians fleeing the war have arrived in the country since February.
Most have moved to other countries or returned home, but since the beginning of this month, nearly 1.5 million Ukrainian citizens registered as asylum in Poland.
By the end of the year, Poland will spend more on housing, healthcare and other services for Ukrainians than any other European country, according to a recent study by the Polish Institute of Economics. But as the country, like much of Europe, has to deal with inflation and high gas prices, there are signs that fatigue may start for some segments of the Polish electorate.
The new measures, scheduled to take effect from 1 March 2023, will apply to Ukrainian refugees who have stayed in the country for more than four months.
The resolution proposes that Ukrainian citizens staying in “collective accommodation centres”, which are government-sponsored accommodation, should pay 50% of their housing costs, up to $8.83 per month. days per person, if they stay in Poland longer than 120 days.
Refugees staying more than 180 days will have to pay 75% of their housing costs, up to a maximum of $13.25 per day per person.
The prime minister’s office said those who are unable to work because of their disability, age, pregnancy or need to care for children will be exempt from these payments.
