Half of the 500,000 Ukrainian refugees of working age in Poland have already found work
According to Polskie Radio, the amendments to the law on employment of foreigners were signed by Polish President Andrzej Duda on January 4, 2022. Under these changes, Ukrainian citizens can work in Poland without a work permit not for six months, as was previously the case, but for two years. For this, a declaration of entrusting work will be sufficient. The new regulations provide for simplification of the procedure for obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit.
Minister of Family and Social Policy Marlena Maląg reports that these changes to the law on employment of foreigners in Poland have proven to be a very good solution, from which both sides have benefited. "People who found shelter in our country from Russian aggression, thanks to taking up work, gained a sense of stability and independence," says the minister. "On the other hand, Polish employers have found that workers are in high demand, especially during the period of seasonal work."
The head of the ministry also recalled the tools that facilitate access to the Polish labor market for refugees from Ukraine: "The employer has 14 days from the moment of employing such a person to notify the state labor office. From that moment, the person is employed legally. This is the most simplified scheme possible," emphasized the Polish minister.
In turn, Deputy Minister of Family and Social Policy of the Republic of Poland Stanisław Szwed announced the introduction of further changes to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens: "The special law, which is under consideration in the Sejm, also includes another simplification regarding the possibility of employing workers from Ukraine. Currently, this path is very simple – any citizen entering from Ukraine has access to the labor market in Poland."
The ministry reminds that people who for various reasons cannot find work on their own have the opportunity to register at the district employment center. Thus, they can use employment services, vocational guidance and training.
It is worth noting that the vast majority of working-age Ukrainian refugees in Poland today are women (92%).