Poland to close shelters for most Ukrainian refugees
18 July 01:24
Starting November 1, Polish collective accommodation centers for refugees from Ukraine will accept only representatives of protected groups. These are pensioners, pregnant women and people with disabilities. According to Polish Radio, the relevant bill was approved by the Polish government, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Currently, every Ukrainian has the right to live in such a center free of charge for the first three months after arriving in Poland. After that, the “period of financial complicity” begins, and currently more than half of the residents of collective centers in Poland live there longer than the free period and pay extra for accommodation and food.
According to the spokesperson for the Mazovian Voivode, Joanna Bahanek, 3000 people are currently living in collective centers in the Mazovian Voivodeship. There are more than 1000 available places.
Adam Szlapka, a spokesman for the Polish government, explained that the forms of assistance to Ukrainian refugees vary according to the needs.
“The Ministry of the Interior and Administration believes that now is the moment when this type of support can be terminated,” he said.
A new program called “Together to Independence” is being prepared for six thousand refugees who do not belong to protected categories. With the support of the European Union, the program will cover the cost of renting housing for Ukrainians and paying for Polish language courses.
