Navigating Temporary Protection in Poland: A Ukrainian Family's First Six Months
Arrival in Poland
My name is Oksana, and I am 38 years old. Along with my husband, Mykola, and our two children, we fled Ukraine in search of safety and stability. We arrived in Warsaw in March 2023, overwhelmed but hopeful. The Polish government had announced various support measures for Ukrainians, and we were eager to find out how they would work for our family.
Securing Temporary Protection
Upon arrival, we immediately registered for temporary protection at the local immigration office. This status allowed us to stay legally in Poland, access public services, and find employment. The process was straightforward, but the waiting time was longer than anticipated — about four weeks due to the high volume of applicants. A tip for others: double-check all documents before submission to avoid delays.
Finding Housing
Finding a place to live was challenging. Warsaw's housing market was saturated, and prices were steep. We were lucky to connect with a Polish-Ukrainian community group on Facebook that helped us find a small apartment in Praga. It was cramped, but it was a start. We learned that many landlords required a Polish guarantor, which added complexity. Our advice is to network as much as possible with local communities and consider smaller towns where competition might be less intense.
Enrolling the Kids in School
Education for our children, aged 10 and 14, was a priority. The Polish government facilitated school enrollment for Ukrainian children, and we managed to get them into a local school within two months. Language was a barrier, as neither of my kids spoke Polish. However, the school offered additional Polish language classes, which was a huge relief. Prepare for a period of adjustment and encourage your children to embrace the challenge of learning a new language.
Job Hunt and Employment
Finding work was perhaps the most difficult aspect. Mykola and I both have backgrounds in IT, but securing jobs in Warsaw took patience and perseverance. Many employers were hesitant due to the temporary nature of our visas. After three months of searching, I found a part-time job at a tech company, while Mykola picked up freelance projects. For job seekers, I recommend reaching out to recruitment agencies that specialize in hiring expats and leveraging LinkedIn to connect with local professionals.
Reflections and Advice
Our first six months in Poland were a blend of relief and stress. The support from the Polish people and government was invaluable, but the reality of starting anew was daunting. Financially, we faced unexpected costs, like school supplies and higher than planned rent, so budgeting carefully is crucial.
Final Tips
1. Document Readiness: Always have your documents in order and multiple copies ready.
2. Community Support: Engage with local expat and Ukrainian groups both online and offline for support and advice.
3. Language Learning: Invest time in learning Polish. It makes everyday life easier and opens more job opportunities.
Our journey is ongoing, but we're grateful for the safety and opportunities Poland has offered us.