Polish MPs have approved legislation that will establish greater support for the hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing to Poland from the currently invaded Ukraine. The vote was near-unanimous.

Since Russia launched its attack on Ukraine two weeks ago, over 1.8 million people have crossed the border from Ukraine to Poland. Every single day, tens of thousands of refugees continue to arrive. 

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Even though some newcomers continue their way further to the West, a large proportion of them remain on Polish soil, where they are being welcomed with open arms by civil society and local authorities. 

On Monday, the Polish government proposed a law that is to allow Ukrainians who have arrived in Poland to legalise their stay for one and a half years (18 months) and receive a PESEL (national identity number). 

Furthermore, Ukrainian refugees would be allowed to work and have access to education, healthcare, and benefits. 

The legislation would also provide for payments of PLN 40 (GBP 7) per day to people and entities in Poland that provide accommodation to Ukrainians, as well as a one-off PLN 300 (GBP 52) payment to each Ukrainian who had fled to Poland. 

Image: Twitter @KancelariaSejmu

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen