Some Ukrainians in Poland may lose their UKR status
Some Ukrainians currently in Poland under temporary protection must update their passport information by August 31, 2026. If they fail to comply with this requirement, they may lose their PESEL UKR status and, along with it, their right to temporary protection.
This requirement applies to Ukrainians who received a PESEL number with UKR status solely on the basis of a declaration, without presenting a valid passport. In particular, this applies to children under 18 whose identities were previously verified using photographs included in the passports of their parents or legal guardians.
Those who have obtained a new passport since receiving their PESEL UKR must also update their information.
To update your information, you must contact your local municipal office. The procedure is free of charge and does not involve changing your PESEL number—only the current details of your valid or new travel document are entered into the registry.
Polish authorities have emphasized that if a valid passport is not provided by August 31, 2026, the UKR status will be revoked. Along with it, the person will lose the right to temporary protection in Poland.
In addition, without a valid PESEL UKR status, Ukrainians will not be able to obtain a CUKR residence card.
This was reported by the Office for Foreigners in Poland (Urząd do Spraw Cudzoziemców).
As a reminder, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated during a speech in the Sejm on July 31 that the opposition had allegedly begun to view Ukraine as an enemy instead of Russia. He made this statement in the context of a discussion about the incident involving a Russian missile.
The Czech Republic is ceasing to provide protection to Ukrainian men who have evaded military service.
The EU has clarified whether the ban on temporary protection will affect men who have already left Ukraine.
