From 1 November 2025, Poland will stop accepting Ukrainian refugees into collective accommodation centres, except for representatives of the so-called protected groups: pensioners, pregnant women and people with disabilities. This was reported by Polish Radio with reference to the decision adopted by the Polish Council of Ministers at a meeting on 16 July.
According to Joanna Bachanek, spokeswoman of Mazowieckie Voivodeship, every citizen of Ukraine has the right to free accommodation in shelters for 120 days after arrival in Poland. After this period, the period of financial co-payment, i.e. additional payments for accommodation and food, begins.
“already more than half of the residents of collective accommodation centres partially pay for their stay. After November 1, such centres will operate exclusively for the elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities,” Bahanek said.
According to the authorities, about 3,000 Ukrainians now live on the territory of Mazowieckie Voivodeship, while the available places are only about 1,000.
For the remaining Ukrainian citizens, the Polish authorities plan to launch the programme “Wspólnie do niezaležności” (“together to independence”), which provides:
- Assistance with renting accommodation on the open market;
- Free Polish language courses;
- Assistance with employment and integration into Polish society.
The programme is expected to enable gradual adaptation and transition from the state support system to a model of independent living.