The impact of Ukrainians on the labour market in Poland
Adrianna Patoka & Justyna Jóźwiak
by Adrianna Patoka & Justyna Jóźwiak
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, over 14 million Ukrainians have crossed into Poland. Although the majority of refugees have chosen to return to Ukraine, approximately 3 million Ukrainians have decided to stay in Poland.
Workforce characteristics
A notable proportion of Ukrainian refugees in Poland are women who face distinct challenges in the labour market, including language barriers, lack of familial help with childcare, and difficulties demonstrating their education, professional qualifications, or work experience without official documents.
Legal support
In response to the influx of Ukrainian refugees, a series of legal changes allowing for the simple legalisation of residence and work has been introduced. The right to legally stay in Poland for 18 months was granted to each refugee who came to Poland directly and declared their intention to stay, with an additional right to apply for temporary residence of 3 years.
Provided their stay was legal, Ukrainian refugees were granted full access to the labour market; a simple notification to the competent employment office submitted within 14 days of starting employment replaced the already simplified procedure. It has also become possible for Ukrainians who obtain a Polish ID number to start a business.
Current statistics
The assimilation of Ukrainian refugees into Polish society has been remarkably swift compared to other countries receiving war refugees. Despite the language barrier and other challenges, according to National Bank of Poland data from November 2022, 65% of Ukrainian refugees are successfully employed.
Furthermore, in the first year of the war, Ukrainians opened over 17,000 businesses in Poland, compared to approximately 7,000 before the conflict. These businesses focus primarily on construction and transportation, as well as beauty and food services. Given these developments, perceptions of Ukrainians are shifting from being regarded solely as employees to being seen as potential employers who may offer opportunities to Polish workers in the future.
Future prospects
The Polish economy still needs workers. Polish businesses are increasingly tailoring job offers to attract Ukrainian employees. More businesses offer Polish language courses and provide systems of education and development in Ukrainian. This must be followed up with policies that apply not only to Ukrainian citizens, but to immigrants in general.
In the second half of 2022, the Polish government started working on amendments to introduce simplified and digitalised residence and work permit procedures. This step will further boost the already attractive Polish labour market.
GGI member firmPenterisWarsaw, PolandT: +48 22 257 83 00Law Firm Services
Penteris is a European law firm committed to keeping clients ahead of the market with a mantra of “getting things done” and “building long-term relations”.
Justyna specialises in international corporate law, in particular liaising with Chinese clients. Contact Justyna.
Adrianna provides legal advice on employment and labour matters in an international context. Contact Adrianna.
