Ukrainians lead among applicants for international protection in Poland: 1.2 thousand applications in the first quarter of 2024
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Ukrainians are the largest group among those seeking international protection in the country during the first months of 2024. A total of 1.2 thousand citizens of Ukraine submitted relevant applications during this period, which indicates a 30% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
It is reported yavp.pl.
In addition to Ukrainians, the majority of applicants are Belarusians and Russians.
In the first quarter of 2024, the Department of Foreigners granted international protection to 1,200 foreigners who were in Poland. Among them, 410 people from Ukraine received refugee status. International protection was also granted to 670 Belarusians and 50 Russian citizens.
The processing of applications for international protection usually takes about 6 months, but in the first quarter of 2024 this process took an average of 4.5 months.
After receiving refugee status, foreigners are entitled to social support from the state, which includes accommodation, food, medical care and Polish language courses.
It is important to note that international protection is different from temporary protection, which is granted in connection with the war in Ukraine. Temporary protection gives the right to residence, work, access to education and medical care in the territory of the EU. For Ukrainians, this status has been extended until 2025.
