Polish MP calls for deporting unemployed Ukrainians

Polish opposition lawmaker Andrzej Śliwka, of the Law and Justice party, has called for the deportation of unemployed Ukrainians residing in Poland. His comments come after his party proposed deporting Ukrainian male draft-age citizens who are not legally employed in Poland. Śliwka argued that even a small percentage of such individuals could form a brigade or division to fight for Ukraine.

Deputy Interior and Administration Minister Maciej Duszczyk dismissed the proposal as very unlikely, estimating that Ukrainian individuals in Poland who do not work might represent only a small fraction of the population, possibly 5%. Śliwka insisted that Polish authorities should identify and deport such individuals for the security and stability of the nation.

He also expressed his party's proposal to mandate a deadline for Ukrainian nationals to return to Ukraine, with Polish authorities enforcing the law by deporting those who fail to comply. This stance was fueled by Ukraine's current shortage of personnel within its military. On June 26, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner announced the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028; however, this extension would not cover recently arrived Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60, who are eligible for military service.