Ukrainian Refugees Contribute 2.7% to Poland GDP Amid Integration Challenges

A joint report by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and Deloitte highlights that Ukrainian refugees have significantly bolstered Poland's economy, contributing 2.7% to the country's GDP in 2024 without causing unemployment or wage declines for native Poles. The refugees have helped specialize and increase the productivity of the Polish economy, with local wages even rising in some areas. Despite many Ukrainians working below their educational qualifications and facing language barriers, over 80% have stable employment, and improved integration could yield an additional $1.6 billion in economic benefits annually. The report counters political and public skepticism by showing that refugees have stimulated employment growth among Poles and contributed more to the economy than they have taken out. Polish political dynamics reflect some growing anti-Ukrainian sentiment, but there remains broad support for continuing aid to Ukraine. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of better labor market integration to unlock further economic potential.