A recent report by Poland's central bank highlights the social and economic situation of migrants from Ukraine and Belarus living in Poland.
The study by the National Bank of Poland (NBP), conducted from May 6 to July 5, provides an insight into the experiences of these groups, revealing significant differences based on when they arrived in Poland and their reasons for migration.
Key factors influencing migrants' decisions to stay in Poland include stable employment and the ability to support their families. These findings point to the importance of work opportunities in encouraging long-term integration and settlement.
Women make up 70% of Ukrainian migrants
The report shows that 70 percent of Ukrainian migrants in Poland are women, with a significant proportion being young and well-educated—nearly half hold higher education degrees.
However, many of them work in lower-skilled jobs, with their economic contributions heavily reliant on employment.
For prewar migrants, wages account for 90 percent of their income, while for refugees arriving after 2022, this figure is lower at 76 percent, supplemented by social benefits and financial aid from family members in Ukraine.
The employment rate among Ukrainian migrants is high, with 78 percent either working or actively seeking jobs. This figure surpasses the national average for Polish citizens.
Yet, economic disparities persist. Women earn 25 percent less than men on average, and many Ukrainian women, especially those caring for children, struggle to find part-time work due to limited availability in Poland's labor market.
Seven in 10 prewar migrants report strong Polish proficiency
The study also revealed that integration efforts are progressing, with 68 percent of prewar migrants reporting a strong command of Polish, compared to 28 percent of refugees.
Housing conditions are improving for refugees, who increasingly move from collective housing to rented apartments, aligning with the living arrangements of prewar migrants.
Children from Ukrainian families are integrating into Polish schools, with over 90 percent enrolled in the education system.
However, language barriers, lack of social connections and lower living standards compared to their prewar lives remain significant challenges.
Belarusian migrants satisfied with life in Poland
Belarusian migrants, many of whom fled political persecution under Alexander Lukashenko's regime, are a smaller group but show high levels of satisfaction with life in Poland.
Many hold Polish citizenship or a special status called the Karta Polaka, which facilitates their integration.
Economic contributions and remittances remain a priority for Ukrainian migrants, with 40 percent sending money and 49 percent providing material support to family members in Ukraine.
Despite these contributions, uncertainty about the future is widespread. Among prewar migrants, 39 percent are undecided about their long-term plans in Poland, while this figure rises to 56 percent among refugees.
(rt/gs)
Source: money.pl, PAP