Map of Poland Photo: getty images
Poland has issued 77,790 Pole cards to Ukrainian citizens over the 15 years of the relevant law. This was reported by the Polish Foreign Ministry in response to a request from Ukrinform.
The process gained particular momentum after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine: since February 2022, more than 17,000 Pole cards have been issued to Ukrainian citizens, which is almost 22% of the total.
External factors of influence
The volume of Polish cards issued has been affected by external circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on the activities of consulates and offices accepting applications, and legal mechanisms introduced in connection with the war.
In 2022, due to the war and administrative difficulties, the number of cards issued dropped to over 4,000. However, in 2023, the figure doubled to 8,000, and this year about 5,500 documents have already been issued.
A Pole’s card for citizens of other countries
Poland also actively issues Pole’s cards to citizens of other countries. Belarusians received the most such documents – over 100,000, including 40% after February 2022.
More than 6,000 Pole’s cards were issued to Russian citizens, of which a third (about 2,000) were issued after the start of Russian aggression against Ukraine. In addition, more than 5,000 cards were issued to Lithuanians and more than 2,000 to citizens of Kazakhstan.
The Pole’s Card allows its holders to receive support from the Polish state, including the right to reside, access to education and employment, which makes this document particularly important in times of crisis and war.
