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Change of Address of the Border Guard Post in Warsaw

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Starting from October 20, it will be possible to submit an application for international protection in Warsaw at the Border Guard office located at Wynalazek 4 Street. All procedures related to issuing or replacing residence cards, as well as implementing alternatives to detention measures, will also be carried out at this address.

Individuals wishing to apply for international protection may submit the appropriate application at any Border Guard post when crossing the border or while staying in the territory of the country.

Until now, applications for international protection in Warsaw could be submitted at the Border Guard service point (“window” No. 5) located in the Office for Foreigners headquarters at Taborowa 33 Street.

From October 20 of this year, persons applying for international protection are advised to approach the Border Guard at the new location in Warsaw at Wynalazek 4 Street (4th floor, “Wynalazek Tower” building).

Source: Office for Foreigners – Gov.pl Portal

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:

Presidential veto on the amendments to the Special Act

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You may have seen the President has vetoed the amendments to the Special Act – the main Act which implements the rights under EU law for refugees from Ukraine in Poland.  

You may have some concerns in relation to this.  

Please note that the fact that the amendments have not been signed into law does not mean you have lost your rights, including your right to legal status and access to healthcare, employment and education.

The Special Act in Poland is valid until 30 September 2025 and 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 veto by the President, the works in the Parliament have been reassumed. A draft new amendment will be soon decided upon. We are waiting for these new legal solutions to take shape. We are monitoring the situation and will share more information as soon as it is available.

In the meantime, we urge you NOT to make any rushed decisions concerning your status or applying for alternative legalization statuses. Each individual situation should be consulted with a lawyer in order to fully analyze all available options.

A list of partner organizations that provide legal assistance is available on the Helpful Services page.

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

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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.

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

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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

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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.