Poland's right-wing Law and Justice party wants to deport unemployed Ukrainian men of draft age if it forms the next government, European Parliament member Tobiasz Bochenski said on August 6. Bochenski, who is also vice president of the party known as PiS, announced the proposal at a political conference and on Facebook.
Bochenski said one of the first and most important decisions of a new PiS government would be deporting Ukrainian men of draft age who do not work legally in Poland. He said the measure would help Ukraine fight Russia by giving military-age Ukrainian men the opportunity to fight for their homeland so the war ends faster.
The next parliamentary elections in Poland are scheduled for autumn 2027. Power could shift from the centrist Civic Coalition led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk back to a PiS majority. Polish politicians are using the topic of Ukraine in domestic political struggles, which could weaken support for the country.
Immigration policy changes
Bochenski said PiS wants to overhaul Poland's immigration policy to improve national security. Under the proposal, every foreigner in Poland would have an individual account. Foreigners who commit two offenses or fail to fulfill administrative, official, or other Polish requirements would face deportation and a ban on future entry into the country.
The party also proposed creating deportation centers. Bochenski said the Polish government should completely control work permits for foreigners rather than allowing decisions to be dictated by the free market, entrepreneurs, or employment agencies. He added that work permit decisions are political choices for which each government must take responsibility.
European military service rules
The European Union extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028, on July 15. However, the EU will no longer grant temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens who evade military duty in Ukraine.
Individual countries are also changing rules for Ukrainian men. Denmark announced on June 25 that Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60 who are not exempt from military service will no longer receive residence permits. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic expects fewer Ukrainian men to arrive following the introduction of the new EU rules.
