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Polish President signs into law bill on aid to Ukrainian war refugees

13.03.2022 08:00
Poland’s president on Saturday signed into law a plan of support for Ukrainians escaping the Russian invasion of their country. 
Polands President Andrzej Duda.
Poland's President Andrzej Duda.PAP/Leszek Szymański

News of Andrzej Duda’s move was announced by the head of the presidential office, Grażyna Ignaczak-Bandych, the state PAP news agency reported.

The president concurred with lawmakers, who passed the bill earlier on Saturday. 

Under the legislation, Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion will be granted the PESEL national identification number and an 18-month legal stay in Poland.

Their non-Ukrainian spouses will also be guaranteed legal stay, as will the children born to Ukrainian mothers who have escaped the Russian attack. 

Moreover, Ukrainians will be allowed to work in Poland and use the country's public health-care services, while Ukrainian school children and university students will be able to continue their education in Poland. 

Financial assistance for Ukrainian refugees

People and organisations who provide food and accommodation to Ukrainian refugees stand to receive a daily allowance of PLN 40 (EUR 8) per person (some PLN 1,200, EUR 251 per person per month) over a period of up to 60 days, which can be extended in justified cases. 

In addition, each refugee is set to receive a one-off payment of PLN 300 (EUR 63).

Also under the legislation, Poland’s national development bank BGK will set up a special fund for assistance to Ukraine and its citizens, while the government will earmark budget money for the purpose.

Sunday is day eighteen of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24.

Poland on Saturday reported it had admitted 1.596 million people escaping the Russian attack on Ukraine.

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Source: IAR, PAP