Polish opposition calls for deportation of Ukrainian conscription-age men not working legally

Poland’s largest opposition party, the national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS), has proposed a controversial policy to deport Ukrainian men aged 18–60 who are not legally employed in the country. The proposal, unveiled during a policy convention held by PiS ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections, reflects the party’s ongoing shift toward a harder stance on migration and its efforts to appeal to nationalist sentiments amid declining public support. The policy, outlined by PiS deputy leader Tobiasz Bocheński, suggests that such individuals should be sent back to Ukraine to fulfill their conscription obligations. Bocheński argued that this measure could help bring an end to the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that “for Central and Eastern Europe to be secure and free, Ukraine must win.” He framed the move as a continuation of the compassion shown by Poles during the 2022 refugee crisis, when millions of Ukrainians fled Russia’s invasion. Poland remains home to nearly one million Ukrainian refugees, along with hundreds of thousands of other Ukrainian immigrants, many of whom arrived prior to the war. These individuals form the largest foreign national group in the country. According to data from Poland’s labour ministry, approximately 11,000 Ukrainians are currently registered as unemployed, though the breakdown by gender is unclear. However, PiS’s policy would extend beyond those officially unemployed, targeting individuals in the so-called grey economy, who work informally without registration or tax payments. The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from government officials. Interior Ministry spokeswoman Karolina Gałecka described the plan as “an absurd idea” and “pure demagoguery,” pointing out that over 95% of Ukrainian men of conscription age in Poland are already working legally and contributing to the economy. She warned that deporting these individuals could disrupt essential services, as many are vital to key sectors of the Polish economy. Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk further highlighted the human cost of the policy, noting that some of the targeted individuals are wounded soldiers receiving medical care in Poland or fathers caring for disabled children. He called the proposal “a purely political, disgusting idea.” Meanwhile, Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński expressed concern that the policy could undermine the trust built between Poland and Ukraine since the start of the war. The debate has intensified following statements by Poland’s Foreign Minister, Jacek Sikorski, who emphasized that Ukrainian men in other European countries should not receive social benefits. His remarks align with PiS’s broader strategy to frame immigration as a threat to national security and economic stability. While PiS has not yet released detailed plans for implementing the policy, including legal mechanisms or enforcement procedures, the proposal has sparked widespread discussion both within Poland and among international observers. Some analysts suggest that the policy is part of a larger effort by PiS to regain lost ground in the polls by appealing to nationalist and populist voters. As the political landscape in Poland continues to evolve, the implications of this proposal remain uncertain. Whether it will gain traction or face legal challenges remains to be seen, but the controversy underscores the deepening tensions surrounding migration and national identity in the region.