Ukrainian refugees give Poland big economic boost, report says

WARSAW (Reuters) -Ukrainians have made a significant contribution to Poland's economy and have not caused a rise in unemployment or lower wages for Polish workers, according to a report from the United Nations' refugee agency UNHCR and Deloitte published on Tuesday.

More than three years on from Russia's invasion, many in Poland have grown weary of the influx of refugees from their war-torn neighbour, a sentiment that both liberal and nationalist politicians have tapped into with promises to limit benefits for Ukrainians or give Poles priority in public services.

Poland has hosted over a million Ukrainian refugees and the presidential election in May saw a surge in support for far-right parties, driven in part by anti-Ukrainian sentiment.

However, according to the report, Ukrainian refugees have contributed more to the largest economy in the European Union's eastern wing than they have taken out. Poles across the political spectrum agree that Warsaw must continue to support Kyiv's war effort.

"If you think refugees are a drain on the economy, think again," Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR representative in Poland, said in a statement.

"By allowing Ukrainian refugees to immediately work and start small businesses ... Poland boosted its GDP by a whopping 2.7% in 2024."

The report said Ukrainian refugees had helped Poland's economy become more specialised and productive, with no decline in employment for Poles and limited data suggesting the presence of refugees caused local wages to rise.

According to the report, many Ukrainian refugees do work that is below their level of education, with only one third of university graduates holding a position that requires a degree.

Many are also held back because they are not fluent in Polish.

The report says that addressing gaps in the integration of Ukrainians into the labour market could generate macroeconomic gains of 6 billion zlotys ($1.60 billion) annually.

($1 = 3.7408 zlotys)

(Reporting by Alan Charlish; Editing by Aidan Lewis)