There are 986 thousand in Poland Ukrainians with EU protection resulting from the ongoing war – results from the Tuesday publication of Eurostat. A larger number is only in Germany. On the same day, Deloitte experts presented an analysis, which shows that Ukrainians have their significant participation in building the Polish economy.
“In 2024 they helped generate 2.7 percent. gross domestic product (GDP) Poland” – we read. Experts indicate that the data confirms the rapid inclusion of refugees from Ukraine in the labor market. There are 69 percent employed on it today. Ukrainian refugees in working age, i.e. only slightly less than Polish citizens (75 percent).
The study shows that The entrance of Ukrainian refugees on the Polish labor market did not affect the economy, for example through an increase in unemployment or a decrease in real wages. On the contrary, it contributed not only to the increase in employment among Poles, but also to improving the productivity of Polish companies and employees.
“All evidence indicates that – as long as they remain in Poland – refugees from Ukraine will continue to exert a positive impact on the economy, significantly exceeding the costs of support they received” – we read.
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“Wise political elections on the humanitarian and economic front are not mutually exclusive,” emphasizes Deloitte's expert Aleksander Łaszek. “Benefits for the Polish economy can still increase if we reduce barriers that make it difficult for refugees to fully use access to the labor market,” he adds.
The report also analyzes the impact of Polish language skills on refugee earnings from Ukraine. Speaking smoothly in Polish earn an average additional PLN 700 per month compared to those who speak Polish at a beginner level.
“The liquidation of even half of the existing gaps could bring significant macroeconomic benefits – at least PLN 6 billion a year. These are still cautious estimates that only take into account only direct benefits for employees ” – we read.
