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Ukrainian Refugees Boost Poland's GDP by 2.7%

Ukrainian refugees have much to the robust Polish economy, boosting the GDP by 2.7 percent in 2024. This is three years after the Russian invasion, and the big wave of Ukrainians to Poland. Growing public frustration and promises to cut the refugees' support notwithstanding, an extended follow-up of findings shows the refugees have had a largely positive impact.

By Kamil Wrona | Last Updated: 12 Jun 2025

It has already refuted fears of job loss and wage pressure on Polish workers - now with well over a million Ukrainian refugees in Poland. According to the report, refugees who have settled in those host areas have not led to unemployed or lowered wages for local residents.

Refugees' Contribution to Economic Growth
Analysts noted that many of the refugees are gainfully employed or have established small businesses that are driving Poland's economic specialisation and productivity. Yes, in Ukraine only about a third of university graduates work in jobs that require them to have a degree, but they are still valuable to the labor force. The rule of thumb, however, is the need to master a language and many are stalled because they don't speak Polish.

Nonetheless, it's important to note that by opening working to the Ukrainians immediately, Poland experienced a huge boost in GDP. Refugees are seen as having contributed more to the economy than they have received in help or public services.

Future Gains Linked to Greater Integration
The report also indicates that more could be gained through better integration of Ukrainians into the labor force. Closing these integration gaps could yield benefits equivalent to around 6 billion zlotys, or about $1.60 billion, per annum.

For all these political differences there is a consensus among Poland's political elite that maintaining its support for Ukraine and its people is indispensable.

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