A New Stage of Regulations for Ukrainian Citizens – What Will the Draft Law Change?
- dariafulei
- Dec 12
- 2 min read
A draft law has appeared in the public domain that may introduce significant changes to the rules governing the stay and employment of Ukrainian citizens in Poland. The document provides for the gradual phasing out of the so-called Special Act and transferring some of its existing provisions to the general regulations of the Act on Foreigners.
This is a clear signal that Poland is moving from an emergency model – introduced after 24 February 2022 – to a more stable and unified system of residence and employment legalization.
Key Assumptions of the Draft
1. Phasing out the Special Act
A gradual expiration of the special rights granted to Ukrainian citizens after the start of the war is planned. This solution aims to restore system coherence and standardize legalization paths.
2. Incorporating Selected Provisions into the Act on Foreigners
The following will be added to the standard regulations, among others:
rules for legalizing residence,
access to the labor market,
administrative procedures and documentation requirements.
3. Transitional Periods
To avoid abrupt changes, the draft provides a protection period for Ukrainian citizens. Selected documents and rights will remain valid for a defined period, allowing for a smooth transition to the new rules.
4. New Forms of Documents
The direction of the proposed changes is digitalization. The draft includes provisions concerning electronic solutions, including integration with the DIIA system via the mObywatel application.
5. Unification of Residence and Employment Rules
Ultimately, Ukrainian citizens are to follow the same, standard legalization procedures as other foreigners.
What Does This Mean for the Labor Market?
1. For Employers and Employment Agencies
The new system may entail:
the need to update recruitment and legalization procedures,
greater predictability and long-term process stability,
changes in required documentation and verification methods,
the need to plan employment earlier, especially in industries with high turnover.
2. For Ukrainian Workers
The changes will be noticeable but gradual:
transition to a more organized and unified legalization process,
a protection period allowing for safe adaptation to new rules,
access to clearer and more transparent procedures, regardless of previous status under the Special Act.
Flowline — Support During the Transition
As an employment agency working daily with foreigners and employers, we actively monitor the situation and prepare our clients for upcoming changes.Flowline:
monitors the legislative process,
analyzes how the draft will affect recruitment and legalization procedures,
helps companies adjust their processes to new requirements,
supports workers in updating their documents and residence status.
Changes in the law may raise concerns, but with proper preparation they become an opportunity to streamline processes and build stable, long-term employment relationships.
