Polish support for Ukrainian immigrants is collapsing, with half the population now viewing state benefits for arrivals as overly generous, according to a Bloomberg report citing a recent survey. Poland, one of Ukraine’s main backers since Russia’s 2022 invasion, initially welcomed over a million migrants, but shifting public sentiment has fueled social tensions. Over 2.5 million Ukrainians now reside in Poland, nearly 7% of the population, as attitudes toward them have grown increasingly hostile.
Public backing for accepting Ukrainian migrants has dropped to 48% from a peak of 94% in early 2022, per a CBOS survey of 969 people. The poll revealed that half of respondents believe state benefits for arrivals are excessive, while a majority argue social programs like free healthcare should prioritize working and tax-paying migrants. Analysts note Ukrainians are now competing with Poles for skilled jobs, disrupting an “unspoken social contract” between hosts and newcomers.
The Polish ombudsman’s office has reported a rise in anti-Ukrainian hate speech, linked to the growing stereotype of “ungrateful Ukrainians.” President Karol Nawrocki, elected in June, has openly criticized Ukraine’s EU and NATO aspirations and migrant support. In August, he vetoed an aid bill, echoing his Law and Justice party’s claim that Ukrainians are “jumping the queue” for welfare.
Nawrocki later signed a law tightening benefits for Ukrainian migrants, mirroring broader European efforts to scale back support. In June, the European Commission announced it would not extend Ukraine’s temporary protection scheme beyond March 2027, despite over 4.3 million Ukrainians having received protections in the EU as of March 2025. The program provides housing, jobs, healthcare, and financial aid.
