‘No More Free Loading!’ Poland turns its back on Ukrainian refugees

Ukrainian refugees Poland

Ukrainian refugees in Poland: For a while, it has been noted that countries are no longer willing to help Ukrainian migrants. Some nations have already curtailed or stopped supporting Ukrainian migrants with aid and assistance.  Following the pattern, one more nation has been added to the list. Yes, Poland recently stated that the Ukrainians should prepare for the worst.

For Ukrainian refugees in Poland, the good times are going to end. Warsaw has reduced its backing for Ukrainians remaining in Poland. As on March 1, Ukrainian migrants staying in Polish housing centres will have to pay a higher portion of their stay.

Wednesday saw the implementation of an amendment to an existing law that mandates, Ukrainian refugees staying in Poland group housing facilities for longer than 120 days have to pay 50% of the cost of lodging and meals, or more than 40 zlotys (€9) each day. Beginning in May, refugees whose stay is longer than 180 days will pay 75% of these expenses, or more than 60 zlotys (€13) each day.

With this announcement Poland is making it clear that Ukrainians should prepare for the worst. In Poland, the strict law was first enacted in September 2022. On January 23, 2023, President Duda signed it, making the decision official.

(Source: CNBC)

According to Pawel Szefernaker, deputy minister of internal affairs and administration, the goal of this approach is not to leave anyone without a place to live. There are more than a million Ukrainian war refugees living in Poland. 80,000 of them are affected by the issue of paying for housing in collective housing facilities because there are so many individuals who reside there.

There are certain restrictions on the new rules, though. Not everyone qualifies for them.  Not everyone would be required to pay the fees. Children under the age of 18, individuals with impairments, those who are retired, pregnant women, and those who are raising infants are exempt from the new regulations. Also, in Poland, mothers or other guardians who care for three or more small children alone are exempt from paying fees.

Read More: Poland Takes Centre Stage in Europe

Over time, pro-Ukraine sentiment has diminished in Europe. As residents and the region’s governments become aware of the costs associated with sheltering refugees.

Also, the European countries are having trouble meeting their basic demands. This may be the driving force for Poland’s decision. Or do Moraweicki and Duda have fresh ideas?

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