During the conference, Deputy Minister Paweł Szefernaker informed that the draft law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens was adopted that day by the Sejm and would then be signed by the president. The Deputy Head of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration presented plans for further support for refugees and current data related to the presence of Ukrainian citizens in Poland.

The PLN 40 benefit for accommodation and food

The Secretary of State in the Ministry of the Interior and Administration referred to the false media information that at the end of June, the PLN 40 benefit for providing accommodation and food to refugees would cease to be entitled.

The government continues to support families who help refugees from Ukraine. The aid is granted for 120 days. Extending the period of payment entitlement will be possible in the case of assistance to people with a certificate of disability or a degree of disability, seniors, pregnant women, people raising children to 12 months of age and those who look after at least three children alone,

emphasized the Deputy Minister.

During his speech, the Government Plenipotentiary for Aid to War Refugees from Ukraine again thanked all the people who supported Ukrainians coming to Poland for their commitment.

The subsequent weeks of Russia's aggression against Ukraine are passing. Poles assist those in need of such help. We express our gratitude to all compatriots who support and devote their time to those who run away from the bombs falling on their homes,

said Deputy Minister Paweł Szefernaker.

Systemic actions for refugees from Ukraine 

The Deputy Head of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration recalled that the fourth month of the war and the fourth month of supporting refugees are already underway.

Therefore, our country is moving from the humanitarian aid stage to the systemic aid stage. The draft act, prepared together with local governments, contains solutions concerning, among others, learning Polish or running clubs for Ukrainian children. In the following days, the law will be submitted for signature by the president and these solutions are supposed to enter into force at the beginning of July,

announced the Deputy Minister.

The newly appointed minister-member of the Council of Ministers, Agnieszka Ścigaj, also participated in the conference. During her speech, she discussed her main tasks to deal with in the government, namely helping Ukrainians.

Some citizens who came to us may stay with us for longer. Hence my presence and talks with the government about specific strategy development,

emphasized Minister Agnieszka Ścigaj.

It is important that Ukrainian families find a place also in smaller towns. There is great potential in our guests. Most of them do not come here for social support. In the beginning, it was necessary, but they want to work, build our economy with us, and take care of themselves and their families,

she said.

Minister Agnieszka Ścigaj referred to the aid activities for refugees that are being implemented and will be continued.

A project of an inter-ministerial strategy covering many spheres of life is being prepared. We want our guests from Ukraine to form local communities with us, to join, among others, in our economy,

emphasized the Minister-Member of the Council of Ministers.

Almost 1.2 million refugees from Ukraine with PESEL numbers

During the conference, Deputy Minister Paweł Szefernaker presented current data on refugees from Ukraine.

Among nearly 1.2 million Ukrainian citizens who have been granted PESEL numbers, over 500,000 is of working age. In addition, we are observing an increasing number of Ukrainian SIM cards logins; currently, there are about 1.3 million,

he said.

Moreover, he informed that more than half of the working-age refugees have already started working, and the number will increase. It is the effect of, among others, solutions contained in the amendment to the act and the demand for employees for seasonal work.

During the first four months, over 250,000 people from Ukraine have legally taken up jobs in Poland. Today, more than 50 per cent of refugees of working age have started work in Poland,

stressed the Deputy Minister.

From May 10, we observe a significant drop in the number of people arriving and an increase in people leaving. More people who are war refugees tend to leave our country than arrive,

he added.