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Ukrainian refugees contribute to Polish economy: study

19.03.2024 12:00
After more than two years of full-scale war in Ukraine, the impact of refugees on the Polish economy is becoming increasingly visible, according to a study commissioned by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
Refugees from war-torn Ukraine at the Hrebenne border crossing in southeastern Poland, April 26, 2022.
Refugees from war-torn Ukraine at the Hrebenne border crossing in southeastern Poland, April 26, 2022.Photo: PAP/Wojtek Jargiło

Despite being forced to flee their homes, refugees from Ukraine quickly entered the Polish labour market as employees and entrepreneurs, the study found.

Last year, refugees from Ukraine contributed anywhere from 0.7 to 1.1 percent to Poland's gross domestic product, according to an estimate by professional services company Deloitte, which conducted the study.

In the long term, this effect could grow to 1.35 percent, Deloitte said.

The outbreak of full-scale war in Ukraine in February 2022 led to a significant outflow of refugees, surpassing 6 million globally, according to the study.

Much of this exodus took place through the Polish border, the UNHCR has said.

Since February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded its neighbour, around 20 million people have crossed into Poland from Ukraineaccording to the Polish Border Guard.

As of October 2023, almost 1 million Ukrainian refugees were living in Poland, the Deloitte report said earlier this month.

The UNHCR representative in Poland, Kevin Allen, said that Poland had welcomed Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and brutality with open arms, demonstrating unprecedented solidarity, Polish state news agency PAP has reported.

Allen said: "This study shows that standing up for refugees was also good for business - and the Polish economy - because they were given the chance to work and engage in commerce."

He added: "While most refugees want to return home to Ukraine, their economic inclusion in host countries contributes to making the return more sustainable, allowing refugees to build and protect their assets and increase their resilience.”

"Giving refugees in Poland access to the labour market results in 'a win-win, both for Poland and Ukraine,'" Allen also said.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.

Tuesday is day 755 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(gs)

Source: PAPunhcr.org