Despite being forced to flee their homes, many Ukrainians quickly entered the Polish labour market as employees and entrepreneurs, contributing about 2.7 percent to Poland’s gross domestic product last year, according to research by professional services firm Deloitte.
"Ukrainian refugees had a net impact of 2.7 percent to Poland’s GDP, with employment rates increasing from 61 percent to 69 percent in just one year," the report said.
Poland’s decision to open its labour market early in the war enabled refugees to integrate economically and support themselves primarily through work, the study found.
Refugees have since become active as workers, business owners and consumers, helping drive demand and productivity.
'Contributors to economic growth'
"Their presence has helped move the economy to a higher growth path," the report said, adding that data show refugees "are not just recipients of aid—they are contributors to economic growth."
Deloitte recommended increasing refugee inclusion by offering advanced language training for professionals and easing restrictions in some occupations to help more displaced people join the workforce and contribute higher value-added labour.
"Targeted investment in human capital, especially for displaced populations, is not only socially responsible but also economically sound," the authors wrote.
Such policies strengthen communities, improve household welfare and build a more inclusive labour market, they added.
UNHCR Polska spokesman Rafał Kostrzyński said the findings "debunk several myths," including the idea that refugees are a burden on the Polish economy.
"If you think refugees are a drain on the economy, think again," said Kevin Allen, UNHCR’s representative in Poland.
"By allowing Ukrainians to work and start small businesses—after being forced to flee Russian aggression—Poland boosted its GDP by a whopping 2.7 percent in 2024," he added.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, starting the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II.
Wednesday marks day 1,204 of the war.
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Source: PAP, unhcr.org