As of May 5, 2026, a law has gone into effect in Poland that significantly changes the aid landscape for Ukrainian refugees. Previously, Ukrainian refugees were granted legal status, the right to work, and access to various forms of assistance. However, the new legislation stipulates that access to medical care and financial benefits, such as the 800+ aid program, will now be contingent upon the individual's employment status. This means that refugees who are not working may lose access to vital support resources, thereby placing them in a more vulnerable position.

Moreover, the law introduces new conditions regarding housing for refugees, stating that only clearly defined vulnerable groups will be allowed to reside in collective accommodation centers. This implies that many refugees may have to seek private housing alternatives if they do not fall under the prescribed categories, which could lead to significant hardship for those unable to afford private accommodation in a foreign country. However, temporary protection for all Ukrainian refugees has been extended until March 4, 2027, offering some respite from immediate deportation threats while still changing the nature of support provided.

This legislative change reflects the Polish government's perspective that the situation has stabilized after nearly four years since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. While the Polish authorities assert that the previous measures were only intended as temporary, the shift in policy raises concerns about the welfare of refugees still facing precarious situations. Many will need to adapt to a landscape where their eligibility for aid is now closely tied to their ability to find and maintain employment, further complicating their recovery and integration efforts in Poland.