Polish President Andrzej Duda has signed a law to assist Ukrainian citizens who arrived in Poland due to the Russian attack, Interfax-Ukraine reports.
According to the law, citizens of Ukraine who left their homeland due to Russian aggression will be able to stay in Poland legally for 18 months. This law will apply to people who came to Poland directly from Ukraine and declared their intention to remain on Polish territory.
Registered as refugees, they will be able to receive assistance from the voivodeship authorities and local self-government bodies. This may be, in particular, the provision of housing or full board. Any legal or natural person who runs a household and provides housing and food to Ukrainian citizens fleeing the war will receive assistance for a maximum of 60 days.
An Aid Fund will be established. Funds from it will be used, mainly to finance or co-finance tasks related to assisting citizens of Ukraine. Citizens of Ukraine fleeing the war will also have the right to work in Poland. This allows access to social assistance or subsidies to reduce parental fees for a child's stay in a nursery, children's club or daycare. Citizens of Ukraine will also be able to claim a one-time maintenance allowance of PLN 300 per person. This applies particularly to the cost of food, clothing, footwear, toiletries, and housing.
Every citizen of Ukraine legally residing in Poland will have guaranteed access to the state health care system on the same terms as Polish citizens.
Decisions will be implemented that will also allow for the education and upbringing of children or students who are citizens of Ukraine and are subject to the provisions of the law.