Help Poland / 2024

Year: 2024

Ukraine is Home: Information about continued stay in host countries and opportunities regarding visits and voluntary return

December 13, 2024

Returning home is a personal decision that should be fully informed, voluntary and take place in conditions of safety and dignity. UNHCR continues to call on countries to allow civilians fleeing Ukraine to access to their territories, and to refrain from returning anyone against their wishes. At UNHCR’s Ukraine is Home website you can find information on short-term and long-term visits to Ukraine including available assistance for returnees to Ukraine.

Do you have a temporary protection status in Poland? On the Ukraine is Home website you can also find information about your right to continued stay and access to services in Poland and how short or extended stay in Ukraine may affect your temporary protection status and assistance in Poland. If you consider returning to Ukraine permanently, you can also find information about administrative procedures that you need to complete in Poland before your departure.

Job and Entrepreneurship Fair in Warsaw (October 16, 2024)

October 7, 2024

    On October 16, the XVI Job and Entrepreneurship Fair will be held in Warsaw at the exhibition halls of the Palace of Culture and Science (fourth floor, from 10:00 to 17:00). The event is aimed at everyone actively seeking new career opportunities, regardless of age.

    One of the program’s highlights is the Career Counseling Salon, where visitors can receive advice on creating resumes and other professional documents, as well as tips on preparing for job interviews.

    The Entrepreneurship Salon will feature top experts and will be of particular interest to individuals who consciously plan and develop their careers in business.

    UNHCR Supports Ministry of Education’s Campaign for Ukrainian Parents

    August 28, 2024

    Education is the right of every child. As the 2024/2025 school year approaches, UNHCR is supporting the Ministry of Education’s outreach campaign to Ukrainian parents on recent changes and solutions for the education of students arriving from abroad, including children and youth who are Ukrainian citizens.

    Students will be able to take advantage of:

    • Study in a preparatory unit
    • Assistance from a teacher’s assistant speaking the language of the country of origin
    • Support from an intercultural assistant
    • Free additional Polish language classes
    • Additional remedial classes in specific subjects

    To stay updated, check the Ministry of Education website. For more information on education, visit our Education in Poland – UNHCR Poland page.

    Psychological support and stress management program “Samopomoc+” – presentation in Pruszków

    July 22, 2024

      We kindly invite you to the presentation of the free psychological support and stress management program “Samopomoc+”. The program was designed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and implemented by the International Medical Corps.

      The program is designed to introduce participants to the practical tools that will help anyone who wants to build their mental resilience and cope with everyday stress with ease.

      Date: 23 July 2024
      Time: 5 pm
      Place: Pruszków Stop, Pruszków Railway Building, 2 Sienkiewicza Street, 1st floor, entrance from the west

      We hope to see you there!

      Call for applications for new refugee advisors – open until July 19

      July 3, 2024

        Are you a refugee or a former refugee? Have you been resettled or accessed a complementary pathway, or have experience in these areas?

        Refugee Advisory Group is looking for new advisors. This group is a part of the Consultations on Resettlement & Complementary Pathways (CRCP) and plays a crucial role in planning and advising on resettlement programs.

        The advisors in this group have two main roles:

        • They act as a bridge between the CRCP and the larger refugee community.
        • They help organize refugee participation in discussions about resettlement and other solutions.

        The goal is to make sure refugees have a say in decisions that affect them. This leads to better policies and helps refugees feel more involved in finding solutions.

        Refugee Advisory Group is now accepting applications for new advisors who will serve a 2-year term. To qualify, you should either:

        • Have personal experience with Resettlement or Complementary pathways, or
        • Have professional knowledge or experience in these areas, along with personal experience of being forcibly displaced.

        Resettlement is a solution that enables refugees to move from their country of asylum to another country, where they will receive protection and assistance. On the other hand, Complementary Pathways are safe ways for refugees and asylum-seekers to enter and stay in a third country (outside of their country of asylum or country of origin), where their international protection needs are met. Complementary Pathways are distinct and additional to resettlement opportunities. Third countries establish their own competitive criteria for complementary pathways and decide who will be admitted to their territories..

        Find out more: https://bit.ly/3RM59fF

        Apply by July 19 here: https://bit.ly/3L9O8Zk

        Amendments to the Polish Act on Assistance to Citizens of Ukraine

        July 1, 2024

          On July 1, 2024, changes to the law assisting Ukrainian citizens due to the war will take effect in Poland. This law governs the stay of Ukrainians who have fled to Poland. Some amendments will be implemented gradually, with details on legal stay, social benefits, and education to be further defined over time. Some useful comments on the changes (in Ukrainian) prepared by experts of the Ukrainian House in Warsaw may be found on this page.

          Job, Education and Entrepreneurship Fair in Gdynia (21.05.2024)

          May 13, 2024

          We invite you to take part in the Job, Education, and Entrepreneurship Fair, scheduled to take place in Gdynia on May 21, 2024, from 10:00 to 13:00 at the Polsat Plus Arena Gdynia.
          The Fair will feature companies from various industries, representatives of public institutions, foundations, and schools, all presenting their available offers and forms of support. This event provides an opportunity to stay informed about current trends within the ever-evolving labor market.
          In the Foreigner’s Zone, individuals interested in the legalities of residence and employment of foreigners in Poland will have the opportunity to engage with employees from the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), the District Labor Inspectorate, the Border Guard, the Tax Office, and the District Labor Office in Gdynia. Representatives from Caritas, the Center for the Support of Immigrants (CWII), and the OVUM Association will also be present at the Fair.
          The UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, will provide Ukrainian and English translation, as well as career counseling in Ukrainian.
          The event is open to all unemployed individuals, job seekers, and those contemplating career changes. Participation in the Fair is free of charge.
          Date & Time: May 21, 2024, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
          Location: Polsat Plus Arena Gdynia, Kazimierza Górskiego 8 Street, 81-302 Gdynia

          UNHCR’s Refugee-led Innovation Fund is Accepting Applications (deadline: May 31, 2024)

          April 30, 2024

          We are excited to announce the launch of the Refugee-led Innovation Fund by UNHCR. This initiative aims to empower displaced and stateless individuals by offering financial resources, mentoring, and expert guidance.
          Eligibility Criteria:
          • The fund is open to organizations led by refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced individuals, returnees, and stateless persons who have made significant contributions within their communities.
          • Teams that are part of existing organizations, whether registered or unregistered, are encouraged to apply.
          • The fund prioritizes organizations led by underrepresented groups, including LGBTIQ+ persons, women, people with disabilities, Indigenous populations, and others.
          Support Offered:
          • Financial Support: Up to $45,000 to test and implement community-valued ideas.
          • Programme and Project Management Support: Assistance from UNHCR and experts in designing and implementing effective programs.
          • Technical Support and Expertise: Needs-based specialist advice on various topics, including technology, legal issues, and innovation methodologies.
          • Peer-to-peer Networking: Opportunities for grantees to engage, share experiences, learn, and explore partnerships.
          • Additional Support: Tailored to project needs, including organizational support, sustainability and scaling, specific training, business model advice, and media/communications.
          • An Emphasis on Learning: Support in measuring outcomes, assessing impact, and utilizing feedback to foster growth and community engagement.
          Highlight from Last Year: the Refugee Luminary Youth Initiative from Poland was recognized for its exceptional contribution to mental health support for Ukrainian refugees. Their project focused on providing culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and evidence-based mental health services to enhance psychological well-being, resilience, and recovery, aiming to foster successful integration and long-term stability.
          For more details and to apply, please visit the UNHCR’s Refugee-led Innovation Fund page. You can also check out the related YouTube video.
          Application deadline: May 31, 2024, 23:59 EST.

          Ukrainian EduHub in Poland has opened registration for a free online course “Work in your field”

          April 22, 2024

          Ukrainian EduHub in Poland has opened registration for a free online course titled “Work in your field”. This course is designed to assist Ukrainians in finding employment in Poland. It provides instruction on writing a CV in Polish, preparing for a job interview, and adapting to a new workplace. The course includes the following lessons:

          Lesson #1: Understanding the labor market in Poland.
          Lesson #2: Creating an effective resume and successfully navigating an interview.
          Lesson #3: Legal aspects of employment.
          Lesson #4: Comprehensive information about taxation in Poland for individuals and businesses.
          Lesson #5: Preparing for the first working day at a new place.

          The course employs a multimedia format that allows participants to complete it at their own pace and at a convenient time. It includes interactive elements, engaging characters, and test tasks.

          To register, please follow the link.

          This course was developed by the Ukrainian Education Hub in Poland with the support of the US Embassy in Warsaw, the international law firm DLA Piper, and the Employment Office of the City of Warsaw.

          Career Guidance Meetings for Youth in Kraków (24-25 April 2024)

          April 4, 2024

          Internationaler Bund Poland is organizing two career guidance meetings in Kraków on the 24th and 25th of April, specifically designed for young individuals who are at the crossroads of choosing their educational and professional paths. The sessions, which will take place at the Open Place Community Center (Center for Intercultural Integration), are tailored for youth aged 13-15 and 16-18.

          The objective of these sessions is to assist young people in navigating through their choices and identifying their fields of interest. Employees from Air Liquide Engineering & Construction in Kraków will be present to share their personal experiences related to their choice of study and subsequent professional growth. This provides an opportunity for the participants to gain insights from their journey and learn from their experiences.

          Please note that prior registration is required:

          • For youth aged 13 and above, the session will be on April 24 at 4:30 pm. Please register here.
          • For youth aged 16 and above, the session will be on April 25 at 4:30 pm. Please register here.

          For more information, please visit here.