Study finds positive impact of refugees on Poland’s economy
Study finds positive impact of refugees on Poland’s economy
Antonina signs up with UNHCR staff for a CV writing consultation in Warsaw, Poland. She came to Poland with her 7-year-old daughter Viktoria and 5-year-old son Timur on 9 March 2022 from Kyiv, Ukraine.
Refugees from Ukraine have significantly contributed to the Polish economy over the past two years, according to a new study. It estimates that refugees from Ukraine contributed between 0.7 and 1.1 per cent to Poland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023. The size of their contribution is likely to grow further, as highlighted by the study “Analysis of the impact of refugees from Ukraine on the economy of Poland”, which was conducted by Deloitte for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.
The positive impact of refugees on the economy has been strengthened by their quick labour market inclusion. Despite the psychological impact of war on the refugees as well as the caretaking responsibilities of many, in a matter of months, many had found employment or set up businesses in Poland, additionally supporting public coffers with their taxes and social security contributions, rather than relying on humanitarian aid or their savings. Between 225,000 and 350,000 refugees from Ukraine are currently working in Poland.
“Poland opened its arms to Ukrainian refugees fleeing war and brutality, demonstrating exemplary solidarity,” said Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR Representative in Poland. “But this new study shows that standing up for refugees was also good for business — and the Polish economy — because they were given the chance to work and engage in commerce. While most refugees want to return home to Ukraine, their economic inclusion in host countries contributes to making the return more sustainable, allowing refugees to build and protect their assets and increase their resilience.”
“Although financial assistance provided by the State and humanitarian organisations was and still is crucial, especially for the most vulnerable families, it has now become only a fraction of refugees’ income. In August 2023, financial aid made up just 5 per cent of refugees’ resources, whereas 80 per cent was derived from work, according to estimates by Deloitte based on UNHCR data based on surveys among refugees.” said Julia Patorska, Partner, Deloitte
Close to one million refugees from Ukraine are registered in Poland, which provides them Temporary Protection. The majority are women and children. Many refugees have special needs and therefore require specific support. For instance, nearly half of all refugee households included a person with a chronic illness and some 10 per cent included a household member with a disability.
Economic Inclusion is key to enhancing protection and unlocking solutions for refugees.
Read the full study: “Analysis of the impact of refugees from Ukraine on the economy of Poland”
