On February 19, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed new legislation that effectively dissolves the special refugee assistance measures previously extended specifically to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict back home. This change mandates that all support mechanisms for refugees be absorbed under the general Law on the Protection of Foreigners, a major legislative shift that consolidates the assistance system into a single structure for various foreign nationals. The initial framework was designed to facilitate residence, employment, access to social benefits, and education for Ukrainians escaping the war, but will now be gradually phased into more generalized foreigner protections.

Nawrocki defended the move, asserting that it is aligned with fiscal responsibility and aims to streamline the assistance system while fostering fairness in its application. The law also ensures that Ukrainian refugees can continue their legal residency in Poland until March 4, 2027, which acts as a transitional measure during the incorporation of the old framework into the new legislation. This extended timeline signifies an acknowledgment of the ongoing needs of Ukrainians amidst the prolonged conflict with Russia.

The decision to merge these legal protections has significant implications for the Ukrainian community in Poland as they navigate their status in a foreign country under changing laws. While the overall goal may be to create a cohesive support framework, it raises concerns about the potential reduction of specialized assistance previously afforded to Ukrainians who are still facing the repercussions of the war. As Poland's policies evolve, the balance between protecting state finances and fulfilling humanitarian obligations continues to be a contentious issue, impacting both current refugees and potential future arrivals from Ukraine and beyond.