Ukrainian refugees prove vital across many sectors in Poland’s economy — Polish politician

Polish politician Jacek Piechota, president of the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, shared the information on Espreso TV.

“We already have 30,000 companies registered in Poland, many present even before the war. But we have clear facts — even before COVID and the war, it was calculated that with Poland’s economic growth, population, and demographics, the country would need 700,000 new workers annually, not counting Polish labor. We already knew economic growth required migrant workers. Ukrainian migrants in 2022 saved us in many sectors. We also felt the importance of Ukrainian workers, especially in construction and transport, because many returned to fight for Ukraine, and Polish companies experienced the impact of their departure,” Piechota said.

He added that Ukrainian migrants do not take jobs from locals; they work in sectors already facing labor shortages. Previously, there were migrants from Indonesia and other countries, but Ukrainians adapt better to Poland and are generally more effective workers. Facts also show that the social aid Poland spends on Ukrainians is returned many times over in taxes they pay — they contribute more than they cost.

“Analysis showed that one in five companies would face difficulties if Ukrainian migrants left. Not those who have lived here long-term, but the recent migrants. For example, a large American company found that 12% of its workforce in Poland are Ukrainians, working not only in lower-level positions but also in management. The facts are clear — the benefits are real. The challenge is how to communicate this to society, as manipulative information spreads faster,” the Polish politician concluded.

• Since October, Poland has changed the rules for foreigners’ access to free healthcare, and the Social Insurance Institution announced checks on Ukrainians receiving 800 zlotys in child benefits.