Polish opposition proposes deporting unemployed Ukrainians of draft age

Representatives of the Polish opposition party "Law and Justice" (PiS) have proposed deporting to Ukraine men aged 25 to 60 who do not have official employment in Poland. The party claims that these people could replenish the Ukrainian army.

The initiative is not a decision of the Polish government or an adopted bill. PiS is currently in opposition, and its proposal has already been criticized by the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland.

PiS speaks about "a brigade or a division"

The proposal was put forward by MEP from PiS Tobiasz Bocheński. He called for setting a deadline within which Ukrainian men of draft age without legal employment must leave Poland. The politician proposes deporting those who do not leave voluntarily.

Polish Sejm deputy Andrzej Śliwka supported this idea on Polsat News. He referred to a government estimate, according to which the share of unemployed Ukrainians may be about 5%.

According to Śliwka, even from such a number of people one could form "at least a brigade, if not a division." The deputy explained the initiative by the shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian army and stated that Russia's defeat is in Poland's interest.

The politician also believes that Polish services should determine the location of unemployed Ukrainians. At the same time, PiS representatives have not yet disclosed a specific verification mechanism, a prepared bill, or the criteria under which a person would be subject to expulsion.

What the Polish government responded

Deputy Minister of the Interior and Administration of Poland Maciej Duszczyk called the PiS proposal unconvincing. According to him, there are relatively few Ukrainians who are in the country and not working.

The official also pointed out that the absence of work does not automatically mean a person's illegal stay in Poland. Ukrainians may have other legal grounds for residence, including temporary protection status, a residence permit, or a visa.

Can Ukrainians be deported for lack of employment

Under current rules, the mere lack of official employment is not grounds for deporting a Ukrainian who is legally staying in Poland.

Holders of a PESEL number with UKR status have the right to legally reside in the country at least until March 4, 2027. Polish regulations do not require them to have a job to maintain temporary protection.

The European Union in July agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028. For new applicants, a requirement is planned to confirm the fulfillment of military duties to Ukraine or the legality of leaving the country.

However, this restriction will not apply to Ukrainians who are already enjoying temporary protection in the EU. Therefore, implementing PiS's proposal for mass expulsion of unemployed men would require separate legislative changes and coordination with European Union rules.

This is the position of an opposition party

So far, Polish authorities have not announced preparations for mass deportations of Ukrainians of draft age. Expulsion is possible by individual decision, in particular in the case of illegal stay, criminal offenses, or a threat to security, but not solely due to the lack of employment.

Thus, the statement by PiS representatives is a political proposal by the largest opposition party, not a new rule for Ukrainians in Poland.

Based on materials from: Polsat News, Polish Government, Council of the EU