We want the Polish labor market, which is in a very good condition, to be supplemented by Ukrainian citizens arriving in Poland - for the benefit of our economy, said Minister Marlena Maląg during the meeting.

90 thousand already employed

Over 2.9 million Ukrainian citizens have come to our country following the events of February 24^th. 1.1 million have already been assigned a PESEL number. “This means that they’re planning a longer stay in Poland”, Minister Maląg. Assuming that half of them are children and approx. 100,000 are the elderly, that still leaves some 500,000 people. Over 90 thousand of them have already taken up legal employment.

This is a great result, considering that some of them are still struggling with the war trauma or have to take care of little children, emphasized Minister Maląg. She added that the majority of the arrivals are women, with 60 percent of them having higher education. We want to utilize their potential as much as possible, which is why we are introducing facilitations in the recognition of diplomas, added the minister.

She also informed that the period of financial support for Poles who host Ukrainian citizens has been extended for the next two months.

Special staffs for children-related issues

The Chairwoman of the Family Council, Dorota Bojemska, who also participated in the meeting, spoke about the support system for children coming to Poland from Ukraine. “There are two staffs in operation: evacuation and children placement, with a central hub in Stalowa Wola”, she said. Its role is to control the incoming minors, especially from foster care or those crossing the border without a guardian, their accurate registration and further relocation into the country.

She stressed that the entire process is implemented in close cooperation with the Ukrainian authorities.

Recognition for organizational effort

Vice-president Dita Charanzová expressed her great appreciation for the assistance provided to Ukrainians by Polish authorities, non-governmental organizations and ordinary citizens. I visited the center in Stalowa Wola and I am impressed by its excellent organization, said Vice-President Charanzová. She also reassured of the solidarity and support of the European Parliament.