Poland and Germany tighten migration rules for Ukrainians

Poland and Germany are tightening migration policies regarding Ukrainian citizens, particularly those of military mobilization age.

In Poland, the Law and Justice (PiS) party has proposed deporting Ukrainian men aged 25 to 60 who do not hold legal employment. A recent poll indicates that 67.2% of Poles support the deportation of unemployed Ukrainians. While some experts warn this is a populist narrative that could harm the economy, PiS argues the move would assist Ukrainian mobilization efforts. Meanwhile, Polish authorities have reported a significant increase in deportations, with 10,000 foreign nationals sent back in 2025 compared to 3,000 in 2023.

In Germany, the Ministry of the Interior announced that Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60 arriving after July 31, 2026, will no longer receive automatic temporary protection unless they can prove they are exempt from military service. Those unable to provide such documentation may face deportation under general migration laws or must apply for traditional asylum, which is assessed on an individual basis. German officials stated that military service in Ukraine alone does not automatically guarantee protection.