Two new consular offices in Rzeszow and Poznań will be opened in Poland in the near future

The war in Ukraine has caused Europe’s biggest humanitarian crisis in decades, forcing millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes in search of safety. Poland became one of the first countries to extend a helping hand to Ukrainian refugees, providing not only shelter, but also a wide range of support.

The hospitality and solidarity of Poland became an example of true humanity. State institutions, volunteer organizations and ordinary citizens joined forces to provide Ukrainians with decent living conditions, access to education, medical care and work. At the same time, the Polish state does not leave aside the issue of the integration of Ukrainians into public life. An important role in this process is played by ensuring access to consular support, which allows Ukrainians to solve urgent issues related to documents and legal aspects.

New consulates for Ukrainians in Poland

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine plans to expand the consular network in key European countries where a significant number of Ukrainian citizens are concentrated. In particular, in Poland, which has the second largest Ukrainian diaspora in Europe, two new consular offices will soon be opened in the cities of Rzeszów and Poznan. In addition, the consulate in Gdańsk will receive the status of Consulate General, which emphasizes its important role in providing support to citizens of Ukraine.

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiga noted during the Question Hour for the Government in the Verkhovna Rada, this decision is due to the significant number of Ukrainians in Poland, which reaches about 1 million people. At the same time, similar measures to expand the consular presence are planned in other countries with large Ukrainian communities, including Romania, Slovakia, Germany and France.

This step is aimed at ensuring convenient access to consular services for Ukrainians abroad. It is also part of a broader strategy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to improve consular services and strengthen ties with citizens who are temporarily or permanently outside their country.

Why is this important?

The decision to open new consular offices was dictated by the growing needs of Ukrainians in Poland. Rzeszów, located near the Ukrainian border, is an important crossing point for refugees and migrants. Poznań, in turn, is an economic center where many Ukrainians work. The new consulates will ensure a more even distribution of the load and increase the availability of services.

Previously, most consular services in Poland were concentrated in Warsaw, Krakow and Gdańsk. Due to the large influx of citizens, queues were formed, and many people had to travel long distances. With the opening of new consulates in Rzeszów and Poznań, Ukrainians will be able to receive assistance closer to their place of residence, which will reduce the cost of time and money.

What services will the new consulates provide?

The consulates in Rzeszów and Poznań will offer a wide range of services, including:

• issuance, extension and replacement of passports;
• issuance of citizenship, marriage, birth or death certificates;
• registration of newborns;
• notarial services;
• assistance in case of loss of documents or legal conflicts.

This will greatly simplify the resolution of bureaucratic issues and reduce the waiting time.

Poland remains one of the most important partners of Ukraine in the struggle for freedom and independence. The opening of new consulates demonstrates not only the interaction of the two states, but also genuine concern for the citizens of Ukraine. This is an important step towards strengthening ties between peoples and ensuring the rights and freedoms of every Ukrainian, regardless of the circumstances.

The new consular offices are not only about services, but also about support that helps to keep in touch with the Motherland even abroad.