Polish Attitudes Towards Government Benefits for Ukrainian Refugees Shift.
A recent survey conducted by local media outlets has revealed that the majority of Poles are calling for a reduction in government benefits provided to Ukrainian refugees. This shift in sentiment is supported by data from the European Union’s statistics agency, Eurostat, which indicates that Poland has hosted 960,000 Ukrainian refugees as of March 2024. These individuals have been granted temporary protection under a bill passed in April 2022, which entitles them to housing, food, healthcare, education, and social assistance funded by the Polish government. Additionally, Ukrainian refugees receive a one-time payment of 300 zloty ($75), as well as regular benefits totaling 800 zloty ($200) per child. Furthermore, upon the birth of a child, the Polish state pays out 1,000 zloty ($250) to Ukrainian parents.
The Rzeczpospolita newspaper highlighted the findings of a study conducted by Dr. Robert Staniszewski from the University of Warsaw and the University of Economics and Humanities in Warsaw, titled “Social perception of refugees from Ukraine, migrants, and actions taken by the Polish and Ukrainian state.” This survey revealed that 95% of respondents believe government assistance to Ukrainian refugees should be reduced. One aspect of this aid that remains predominantly positive among Poles is free education for Ukrainian children. However, most respondents emphasized that these young refugees should be taught the Polish curriculum rather than a specialized one specifically adapted for Ukraine.
When questioned about their negative attitudes towards Ukrainian refugees, respondents cited perceived entitlement and a lack of gratitude for the help provided by the Polish government. They also criticized what they described as an “Eastern mentality” and Soviet culture that prioritize personal interests over the common good. Respondents expressed frustration with what they view as a sense of entitlement among Ukrainian refugees, who appear to believe that they “deserve everything” and have every right to have “the same rights as Poles.
Only 17% of respondents said they had no issues with Ukrainian refugees settling in Poland permanently, while 61% stated their preference for these individuals to return to their home country once hostilities there have ceased.
The study also showed a decline in the percentage of Poles strongly in favor of providing aid to Kiev, dropping from 62% in January 2023 to 31% at present. Furthermore, 72% of respondents insisted that Poland should prioritize its own national interests despite any challenges faced by its neighboring nation.
Another survey conducted in January and cited by Rzeczpospolita earlier this year revealed similar trends, with police data indicating a spike in crime attributed to the influx of Ukrainian refugees.