Poles Given Special Status In Ukraine. What Does It Mean

The Verkhovna Rada expanded legal and social guarantees for Polish citizens residing in Ukraine.

A total of 283 MPs voted for the adoption of bill 7550, with the minimum required 226, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

According to the bill, citizens of Poland and their children who have entered Ukraine for a temporary stay in accordance with the established procedure have the right to stay on the territory of Ukraine on legal grounds for 18 months from the date of entry into force of this law.

They also receive the right to state registration as taxpayers and to receive a registration number of the taxpayer's registration card in accordance with Ukrainian legislation.

During their stay in Ukraine, Poles are entitled to:

- employment without a permit for application of labor of foreigners and stateless persons;

- social protection, the same as that of citizens of Ukraine;

- carrying out economic activities on the same terms as citizens of Ukraine;

- medical care on par with Ukrainians;

- obtaining education on an equal basis with citizens of Ukraine, including at the expense of state or local budget funds, including obtaining scholarships, material assistance, state targeted support;

- Polish scientists will be able to work in Ukraine as scientists, scientific and pedagogical workers and conduct scientific activities under the same conditions as citizens of Ukraine;

- Polish doctors, nurses, midwives will be able to carry out professional activities on the territory of Ukraine for 18 months (exclusively in healthcare institutions of Ukraine).

It is noted that the adoption of this law is carried out in response to the adoption by Poland of the law of March 12, 2022 on assistance to citizens of Ukraine in connection with the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine (full-scale invasion), which takes place from February 24, 2022.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on July 19, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the relevant law as a basis.