Ukraine refugee employment and return intentions in Poland

Recent data from Statistics Poland indicates a record number of Ukrainian citizens are employed in the country. As of March 2026, there were 1,152,700 foreign workers in Poland, with Ukrainians accounting for 784,000, or 68 percent of the total foreign workforce.

A survey conducted by Rating Group among 1,000 Ukrainian refugees in Poland reveals that 51 percent intend to return to Ukraine, though most are waiting for the end of the war. Specifically, 8 percent are ready to return soon, while 43 percent plan to return once hostilities cease. The primary condition for return cited by 71 percent of respondents is security and stability in Ukraine.

The survey also highlights social dynamics: 50 percent of refugees describe their attitude toward Poles as warm, and 44 percent as neutral. Conversely, refugees perceive the attitude of Poles toward them as 30 percent warm, 46 percent neutral, and 22 percent cold. Additionally, 31 percent of respondents reported experiencing discrimination based on nationality or ethnic origin within the last year.