Special Act amendments

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You may know that a new version of the Act on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with armed conflict on the territory of that state (the so-called “Special Act”) – the main Act which implements the rights under EU law for refugees from Ukraine in Poland – is currently awaiting the President’s signature, after the previous amendments were vetoed.

The current Special Act is valid until 30 September 2025.

You may have some concerns in relation to this.  

Your individual legal situation and your needs are unique and it is important to consult a lawyer to discuss your specific situation.

❗️ If you arrived prior to February 2022, we urge you to take note of the information on this page (under the section “Citizens of Ukraine whose stay in Poland is not related to the armed conflict”) and seek legal advice accordingly (you can find a list of organisations that can help at the bottom of this message).

❗️ If you arrived after February 2022, please remember that even though the amendments have not been signed into law, this does not mean you will automatically lose your rights. You still have the right to legal status, access to healthcare, work, and education in Poland. The EU Temporary Protection Directive (which underpins your rights in Poland) is in force until 4 March 2027.The EU law is directly applicable and legally binding in Poland and the protection enacted in the Directive remains valid.

After the President’s veto on 25 August, a new piece of law was developed by the Government. It has been approved by Parliament and is now with the President. Until we know more about the outcome of the President’s decision, We strongly advise you not to make any rushed decisions about your status or apply for a different legal status without first consulting a lawyer. Some choices can have serious and lasting effects on your future.

For example- the new law contains provisions which limit access to temporary protection/PESEL UKR in Poland for persons who have previously obtained a similar status in another EU country, this is also the case in some other EU countries. Therefore, you may not be able to return to Poland in the future after you obtain temporary protection elsewhere.

Your individual legal situation is unique and consulting a lawyer to discuss your situation is important.

The organisations listed below provide legal assistance free of charge and have relevant experience and expertise in supporting refugees from Ukraine in Poland: