Domański told TVN24 the fiscal effect would be “low billions.”
“Low billions are, of course, below five billion zlotys,” he said, adding he would not provide precise estimates.
He said the goal was to “seal the system” and “fight pathologies,” while noting Ukrainians in Poland “contribute to the economy, pay taxes [and] contributions,” and warning against stoking resentment toward them.
The government is set on Tuesday to consider a solution drafted after the president vetoed an amendment to the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens.
The Interior Ministry’s bill would amend various statutes to verify foreigners’ eligibility for family benefits and define conditions of aid for Ukrainians related to the war in their country.
Under the proposal, non-EU foreigners’ entitlement to the 800+ allowance would be tied to the applicant’s activity in the labor market and to their children’s attendance at Polish schools.
The bill would also allow ZUS (the Social Insurance Institution) to run monthly checks—using a register kept by the Border Guard chief—to confirm foreigners’ residence in Poland before paying or suspending benefits.
Separately, foreigners’ access to the “Dobry Start” school starter benefit would depend on employment activity or coverage by health insurance.
Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk said on Friday the draft lowers the minimum-wage threshold used to qualify foreigners for benefits to 50% of the statutory minimum, after talks with the Family, Labor and Social Policy Ministry. An earlier version set the bar at 75%.
(jh)
Source: PAP