The conference was opened by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. In his address, he stressed the need to rebuild Europe so as to ensure its peace and security for many decades.

As the first country which stood by Ukraine, Poland showed that this is the war for the future of the free world – said Prime Minister Morawiecki.

We passed the test of humanity

Minister Marlena Maląg illustrated the challenges we have faced since 24 February 2022, when as a result of Russian aggression, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians crossed the Polish border.

At that time, we passed the test of humanity – said Minister Maląg, mentioning the huge commitment of the government, local governments, non-governmental organisations and ordinary citizens who invited the Ukrainians to their homes.

Care for children

The Ministry of Family and Social Policy focused on the care for children, many of whom arrived to Poland without their parents. We organised points to receive them after the evacuation and sought places of care, while staying in permanent contact with Ukraine.

Work provides dignity

The second most important challenge was to provide newcomers with a job which not only gives money, but also provides dignity, stability and a sense of security – said Minister Maląg.

From the first days, thanks to the special act, the Ukrainians could take up work on the same terms as Polish citizens. The number of reports about entrusting work is constantly increasing and has already exceeded 900 thousand.

Change in the structure

However, the structure of employees has changed. While a year ago Ukrainian employees in Poland were dominated by men, after 24 February mostly women with children came to our country. If they are to be able to take up work, they must be provided with care for their children. It was possible to implement it by introducing changes in the system of care for children under three.

Competence

An important problem is to provide female citizens of Ukraine with work in accordance with their qualifications. To this end, we undertake a number of activities aimed at acquiring skills and qualifications necessary to take up work, inter alia, in shortage professions, by facilitating the financing of the costs of group courses of Polish and the costs of degree recognition procedures and procedures regarding confirmation of graduation at a specific level.

The exceptionally low unemployment rate continued in Poland opens up space in our labour market to include Ukrainians – added Minister Maląg.

Offers

Integration into the labour market is supported by the Competition of Offers announced by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy and entitled „Together we can do more – the first edition of the Activation Programme for Foreigners for the years 2022-2023”.

The Central Database of Job Offers contains 7 thousand advertisements translated into Ukrainian. The pracawpolsce.gov.pl platform also makes it easier to seek a job.

I believe that soon we will be able to enjoy together the freedom of Ukraine, which is so important for our entire region – summed up Minister Marlena Maląg.