**Ukrainian Refugees Give Poland a Big Economic Boost, Report Says**
Poland has been hosting over a million Ukrainian refugees since the Russian invasion in 2022. While some have expressed concerns about the impact of these refugees on the economy and jobs for Polish workers, a new report from the United Nations’ refugee agency UNHCR and Deloitte has found that Ukrainians have actually contributed significantly to Poland’s economy.
The report shows that Ukrainian refugees have helped boost Poland’s GDP by 2.7% in 2024 alone. This is because many of them were able to work immediately and start small businesses, contributing to the country’s economic growth. In fact, the report found that there was no decline in employment for Poles and even a slight increase in wages.
**Integration into the Labour Market Key to Unlocking More Economic Gains**
While Ukrainian refugees have made a positive contribution to Poland’s economy, many of them face challenges when it comes to integrating into the labour market. Many are working jobs that are below their level of education, with only one third of university graduates holding positions that require a degree. Language barriers also play a significant role, as many Ukrainians are not fluent in Polish.
However, the report suggests that addressing these gaps and helping Ukrainian refugees integrate more fully into the labour market could lead to even greater economic gains. According to the report, this could generate an additional 6 billion zlotys ($1.60 billion) annually for Poland’s economy.
**Mixed Reaction from Poles**
Poland has been a key player in supporting Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. The presidential election in May saw a surge in support for far-right parties, driven in part by anti-Ukrainian sentiment. However, despite these mixed reactions, both liberal and nationalist politicians agree that Warsaw must continue to support Kyiv’s war effort.
The report from UNHCR and Deloitte provides a welcome dose of reality and data-driven analysis on the impact of Ukrainian refugees on Poland’s economy. It highlights the potential benefits of integrating these refugees more fully into Polish society and the labour market, and serves as a reminder that, even in times of crisis, refugees can be an economic asset.
