The government plans to phase out part of the aid for Ukrainians. The labor market will suffer
On December 29, 2025, a draft law (form no. UD345) appeared on the website of the Government Legislation Center, which assumes the gradual expiration of the provisions of the special act on assistance for Ukrainian citizens. The proposed regulations significantly change the situation of companies and foreigners on the Polish labor market. Still, representative employers' organizations were not invited to public consultations.
— The omission of social partners in the legislative process violates the principles of social dialogue and good law-making practices, especially since the project concerns regulations important for the functioning of the labor market and the legality of employment of foreigners – comments Nadia Winiarska, an employment expert at the Lewiatan Confederation.
In a comment under the post on Linkedin, the expert explained that in October, entrepreneurs were assured that the simplified procedure for entrusting work to Ukrainian citizens would not be changed in the near future.
Restrictions on the employment of Ukrainian citizens
The proposal is the most controversial restrictions on the simplified procedure for entrusting work to Ukrainian citizens. By design the possibility of employment on the basis of the notification is to apply only to people using temporary protection.
The Lewiatan Confederation warns that such a solution may lead to organizational chaos in companies. Will force each time the residence status of employees is verified and will increase the risk of errors when legalizing employment. The simplified procedure has so far been one of the most effective tools supporting companies, especially in industries struggling with staff shortages. Its limitation is all the more unjustified because after reform of migration law from 2025 standard procedures have become much longer.
Read also: Central Statistical Office: the number of foreigners in Poland increased by 4.5%. in 2025
Extension of the suspension of administrative proceedings
The project also provides for maintaining the suspension of deadlines in administrative proceedings concerning foreigners until March 4, 2027. This would mean that this provision would be in force for the fifth year in a row.
— This solution not only does not improve the efficiency of the administration, but actually paralyzes proceedings, deprives foreigners of real legal protection and exposes employers to the risk of illegally entrusting work. – says Nadia Winiarska.
According to experts from the Lewiatan Confederation, proceedings regarding the legalization of stay are currently taking an average time over a yearand the legal status of foreigners while waiting for the decision is uncertain, which increases the risk of illegal employment. Another extension of the suspension of deadlines does not solve the administration's problems, but only deepens them.
Read also: Workplace inspections in Poland: new powers of the Border Guard
Experts from the Lewiatan Confederation call for changes to the project
The Lewiatan Confederation appeals to refrain from further suspending administrative proceedings and to maintain the possibility of employing Ukrainian citizens under the notification procedure – regardless of the basis for stay. If the proposed restrictions are maintained, the organization proposes that they be postponed at least until March 2027 and the introduction of transparent and comprehensive transitional provisions.
Meanwhile, on Friday, January 9, the Council of Ministers' report on the implementation of the Act on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of that country will be presented to the Sejm, along with the position of the Administration and Internal Affairs Committee.
